Fears are growing for the wellbeing of a 76-year-old man missing in remote Tasmanian bushland for more than two days, with searchers warning he is likely suffering from hypothermia.
Peter Willoughby disappeared on Sunday afternoon after becoming separated from acquaintances near Hollybank while trying to retrieve his bogged vehicle.
He has now spent two freezing nights exposed to the elements.
More than 45 personnel from Tasmania Police, the SES and Ambulance Tasmania have searched roughly 110 hectares of rugged terrain as weather conditions continue to worsen.
Tasmania Police Northern District Inspector Nick Clark said the focus remained on finding Willoughby alive, but concern was growing by the hour.
“This is still a search mission. We are still looking to try and locate Mr Willoughby and return him to his family and friends,” Clark said.
“It’s very possible he is experiencing hypothermia. The weather conditions here for the last couple of nights have been bitterly cold, especially because of the wind chill factor.”
When he went missing, Willoughby had only the clothes he was wearing and an axe. His phone was left at home.
Strong winds grounded the rescue helicopter on Tuesday, though a police drone was able to assist from the air.
Mounted units and ATVs have also been brought in to tackle the steep, heavily wooded terrain.
Inspector Clark said Willoughby had some health issues common in people in their seventies, which may have caused confusion about his location. He was also unfamiliar with the area.
The man’s vehicle became stuck on a bush track last Wednesday.
Police found him and his wife that night and returned them to their Scottsdale home, with plans to recover the vehicle later.
A footprint was found on Monday but has not yet been confirmed as belonging to Willoughby.
“There has been intensive searching in that area and we’ve found nothing else to assist us to locate Mr Willoughby,” Clark said.
Anyone who spots Willoughby is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.
