Tasmanian police are searching for two bushwalkers missing in different parts of the state, including a 76-year-old man who has now been absent for 10 days. Officers said they hold “grave fears” for Peter Willoughby, who entered bushland in Hollybank forest reserve in the state’s north-east on 5 October.
In a separate incident, Daryl Fong, 30, is missing after setting out on a day hike in Mount Field national park in the south-east over the weekend. A friend reported Fong missing on Monday after failing to hear from him since a text message sent in the early hours of Sunday.
Search efforts for Willoughby resumed on Wednesday after being paused last Friday due to poor weather conditions that posed a risk to rescuers. Police and State Emergency Service personnel have re-examined previously searched areas and also ventured south from the bushwalker’s last known location.
Inspector Nick Clark of Tasmania Police Northern Search and Rescue said that despite extensive searching over the past 10 days, Willoughby had not been located. “We remain determined to find Mr Willoughby, but given the length of time he has been missing, and the inclement weather conditions in the area, police hold serious concerns for his welfare,” he said.
Willoughby, from Scottsdale, was reported missing on the afternoon of 5 October after walking in thick forest near Hollybank. Police said he had been in the area to retrieve his silver Subaru Outback station wagon, which had become stuck on a nearby road the previous week, and that he became separated from his group. He is being treated for a medical condition that can sometimes cause disorientation.
The search for Fong has continued concurrently, with his white Subaru found at the Mount Mawson car park. Police said search teams, which paused again on Wednesday night, faced difficult weather including snow, rain, poor visibility and near gale-force winds.
