UPDATE: An urgent search operation is underway for 76-year-old Peter Willoughby, missing in the dense bushland of northeast Tasmania. Authorities confirmed that search teams have found no trace of Willoughby, who went missing on Sunday afternoon while attempting to retrieve his bogged car.
The search resumed at Tuesday morning with an expanded effort involving ground crews, a drone, horse riders, and a wilderness paramedic. Tasmania Police and the State Emergency Service (SES) are mobilizing resources from across the state, covering an area of 100 hectares. Unfortunately, helicopter support was grounded due to high winds, hampering search efforts.
Inspector Nick Clark of Tasmania Police expressed serious concerns for Willoughby’s welfare, particularly the risk of hypothermia as heavy rain has battered the region in recent days. Local authorities are currently assessing the situation and further updates are expected later on Tuesday night.
Willoughby, described as determined but not overly mobile, was last seen in bushland near Launceston, accompanied by others who were assisting him with his bogged station wagon. Just days prior, police had helped him when his vehicle initially became stuck.
At the time he went missing, Willoughby was wearing a dark blue jumper, blue jeans, and sneakers. Alarmingly, he left his mobile phone at home, raising additional concerns regarding his ability to call for help.
The search for Willoughby comes amid a troubling trend: several hikers have faced tragic fates in freezing conditions across southeast Australia recently. Notably, two women were found deceased in an alpine hut near Falls Creek ski resort in Victoria, and a tourist from China died after being overwhelmed by cold weather in Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania.
As the search continues, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and to avoid bushwalking in extreme weather conditions. Further developments will be reported as they arise.
