UPDATE: An urgent search for 76-year-old Peter Willoughby continues in northeast Tasmania after he went missing while trying to retrieve his bogged vehicle. Despite extensive efforts involving ground crews, drones, and wilderness paramedics, searchers have found no trace of him since he was reported missing on Sunday afternoon.
Authorities confirmed that the search operations resumed this morning, covering a staggering 100 hectares of dense bushland near Launceston. Tasmania Police and the SES have mobilized multiple teams, but challenging weather conditions, including high winds, have prevented the use of helicopters.
Inspector Nick Clark of Tasmania Police expressed grave concerns for Mr. Willoughby’s welfare, particularly due to the risk of hypothermia as heavy rain continues to batter the region. “We are treating this as a serious search mission,” Clark stated, indicating that further assessments will be conducted later tonight.
Mr. Willoughby, who suffers from a medical condition that may cause disorientation, was last seen wearing a dark blue jumper, blue jeans, and sneakers. He left his mobile phone at home, complicating search efforts. Previously, police had assisted him with his vehicle when it first became stuck several days ago.
The search comes in the wake of tragic incidents involving hikers in the region. Recently, two women were found deceased in an alpine hut near the popular Falls Creek ski resort in Victoria, and a tourist from China died in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain National Park after succumbing to the cold. With several recent rescues for mild hypothermia reported, the urgency of finding Mr. Willoughby cannot be overstated.
As the search intensifies, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward immediately. The community is rallying, and the emotional stakes are high as family and friends await news of Peter Willoughby. Further updates will be provided as this developing situation unfolds.
