The family of a grandfather who vanished in Tasmania nearly two decades ago is still searching for answers, 16 years on from his disappearance on a November morning in 2008.
Nicola ‘Nick’ Sallese was 69 when he was last seen driving his silver Toyota Camry along Sheffield’s main street on November 17, 2008.
Despite extensive ground and air searches across Tasmania, neither Sallese nor his car has ever been found.
Sallese, who had dementia, was known to spend time around Sheffield and Devonport, though possible sightings have been reported across the state.
Authorities believe he may have been trying to drive to Launceston or Hobart when he disappeared.
“It’s been a long journey so far, almost 17 years. But we won’t give up, not until we have answers,” son Jason Sallese said.
His case is one of eight long-term missing persons being highlighted during National Missing Persons Week, which runs until Friday under the theme ‘Forever Loved’.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Joanne Cameron said families like the Salleses live with a unique kind of grief known as “ambiguous loss”.
“The uncertainty and pain of not knowing what happened can be overwhelming,” Commander Cameron said.
“NMPW is an opportunity to acknowledge the turmoil and longing that families and friends experience.”
Across Australia, around 50,000 missing persons reports are filed each year, with about 2,700 people still missing long-term, according to the AFP.
While most people reported missing are found within days, those who remain unaccounted for after three months are classified as long-term cases.
“The week raises awareness of missing persons and appeals to the public for any information that could help locate them,” Commander Cameron said.
“… Even the smallest piece of information can be crucial in solving these cases.”
