A 77-year-old man who went missing after going for a walk in Northern Tasmania yesterday morning has been found alive after an extensive search mission.
John Hughes was found in a “serious condition” around 12pm today after surviving the night in thick bushland north of Exton near Deloraine, police say.
Hughes was located by a volunteer member of the Tasmania Fire Service following a large-scale search that involved a police drone equipped with infrared detection capabilities, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and numerous volunteers.
Hughes is currently receiving urgent medical attention at the Launceston General Hospital.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the search for this man, particularly those vounteers that gave up their Saturday to help someone they didn’t know,” Senior Sergeant Michael Gillies said.
“Without the assistance of the SES and TFS volunteers this may have had a very different outcome for the missing man, his friends and family.”
Helicopter, drones involved in large search for missing Tasmanian man
A large-scale search is currently underway for a missing man in Tasmania’s north today.
Police are searching for John William Hughes, who was last seen on Porters Bridge Road in Exton.
Hughes, who walks with the aid of a walking stick, was reported missing after he went for a routine walk and did not return.
The search for Hughes began yesterday, with police search and rescue personnel, drones, TFS and SES volunteers scouring the Exton area.
Despite their efforts, Hughes was not found and the search resumed this morning with the assistance of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
According to the police, Hughes was carrying a small satchel when he went missing.
Anyone who has seen him or has any information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131444.
