A major operation involving the Blue Mountains Police Rescue Squad and a police helicopter was continuing yesterday afternoon in a bid to recover the man’s body.

The victim, believed to be a 61 year old man from Carlingford, was in a party of four who abseiled into the canyon about 9.15 am Thursday.

Police said that details were still sketchy yesterday but it appeared that about 2 pm the victim got into difficulties and while attempting to descend became stranded in water rushing down the cliff.

While attempting to free himself he became submerged and disappeared, despite the efforts of his companions.

It was around 4.30 pm before the other members of the party were able to climb out of the canyon to raise the alarm.

The police party returned to the area early yesterday to resume the search for the missing man’s body.

Mountain streams in the area have been running at a faster rate than usual following recent rain and the party that got into trouble attempted their ill fated expedition at a time when storms were again predicted over the region.

Claustral Canyon has been the scene of numerous hazardous rescue operations over the years.

FOOTNOTE: A National Parks and Wildlife Service sign at the canyon reads in part: “Canyons can be dangerous. Flash flooding can occur. Don’t enter any canyon if rain is forecast or looks likely. Claustral is a long and difficult canyon suitable for experienced canyoners only’.