Police in South Australia have expressed grave concerns for the welfare of a woman who has been missing in the remote outback for more than two weeks, as they renew and expand search efforts.
Desperate Search in Harsh Terrain
Trisha Graf, a 41-year-old woman from Andamooka, was last seen in the early hours of Friday, 12 December, in the Roxby Downs area, approximately 510 kilometres north of Adelaide. The alarm was raised after her vehicle, a white 2012 Ford Territory with the South Australian registration plate S254BCX, was discovered abandoned and undriveable near Blue Dam, east of Andamooka, on 13 December.
An extensive initial search operation, involving both air and ground teams as well as specialist dive units, was launched but failed to locate any trace of Ms Graf. The challenging and vast outback landscape has complicated rescue efforts.
Renewed Aerial Efforts as Time Runs Critical
On Monday, police commenced a further aerial search, focusing on an area between Blue Dam and Andamooka, which is about 32 kilometres from Roxby Downs. This new effort expands the zone already covered by intensive ground searches.
In an official statement, SA Police said: 'Due to the length of time since Trisha was last seen, police hold grave concerns for her welfare.' The prolonged period of 16 days without contact in such an unforgiving environment has heightened fears for her safety.
Distinguishing Features and Public Appeal
At the time of her disappearance, Trisha Graf was reportedly wearing black pants and a black top, with her hair plaited and away from her face. She is known to have several distinctive body modifications, which may aid in identification:
- A nose piercing, lip piercing, and ear piercings.
- A skull tattoo on her upper right arm.
- A mermaid tattoo on her lower forearm.
Authorities are urgently appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding Ms Graf's whereabouts or her movements in the lead-up to her disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. Any detail, no matter how small it may seem, could prove vital in locating her.
