Rescue teams are battling waist-deep snow and near gale-force winds as the search of Mt Field National Park for missing Tasmanian bushwalker Daryl Fong continues.
The 30-year-old was last heard from at 3am on Sunday, when he texted a friend to say he was delayed and planned to shelter overnight.
He had set out on a day hike from the Lake Dobson car park on Saturday morning.
“We remain committed to finding Daryl but with the passing of time and the conditions in the area, we hold serious concerns for his welfare,” Inspector Luke Horne said.
Search teams made up of Tasmania Police Search and Rescue, SES volunteers and Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics are focusing their efforts around the Tarn Shelf area.
The alpine region has been lashed by severe weather throughout the week, with searchers facing poor visibility alongside treacherous snow and wind.
Fong’s white Subaru was found parked at Lake Dobson earlier this week, where he left it before beginning his walk.
His friend contacted police on Monday afternoon after being unable to reach him.
Inspector Horne said around 100 people had been in the national park since Saturday morning.
“I ask those people to please consider whether they saw Daryl’s vehicle in the carpark or any sign of him and if they have any witness information that may assist the search to come forward,” he said.
Fong is known to have some outdoor experience and may have been carrying suitable equipment and clothing for the conditions.
A rescue helicopter has been deployed several times since Monday but has been hampered by poor weather.
Ground crews have continued searching despite the challenging terrain.
Anyone who has been in the Mt Field National Park area since Saturday and has information about Fong or his movements is urged to contact Bridgewater Police on 6173 2010.
