The active ground search for Mark Sear, who has been missing in Western Australia’s outback for more than two weeks, has officially been called off. The 62-year-old was last seen on September 19, 2023, driving away from Moola Bulla Station, located approximately 80 kilometres north of Hall Creek. His vehicle, a white tray-top truck, was discovered bogged and abandoned off the Great Northern Highway six days later.
Friends and family have expressed concern, particularly Sonia Cooper, a close friend who has known Sear for two decades. Cooper described him as a “bushie,” emphasizing that his prolonged disappearance is out of character. “I am worried and I hope he turns up soon,” she stated, reflecting the sentiments of those who know him.
WA Premier Roger Cook expressed gratitude to those involved in the search efforts. He acknowledged the dedication of both authorities and volunteers, stating, “I want to sincerely thank every one of the WA Police officers and SES volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to the search for Mr Sear. All our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
Search Operations and Challenges
The search operation mobilized significant air and land resources, but harsh conditions in the outback complicated efforts. Over the past two weeks, temperatures reached the mid to high 30s Celsius, creating a challenging environment for search teams in the Kimberley region.
Local police, rangers, members of Perth’s Tactical Response Group, and volunteers from the State Emergency Service collectively covered more than 600 square kilometres in their quest to locate Sear. Despite these extensive efforts, WA Police have indicated that the case is being treated as a missing person inquiry, with no evidence suggesting any suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Mark Sear’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation. The community remains hopeful for his safe return as the search transitions into a new phase.
