A frantic search is underway for an elderly grey nomad who went missing while prospecting in the WA Outback.
The West Australian reports that 83-year-old Trevor McDonald failed to return to his and his wife’s caravan in Meekatharra on Saturday night.
The pair had decided to go prospecting in different directions about 50 kilometres from the Meekatharra townsite and five kilometres south of the Bluebird Mine, and had agreed to meet back at their caravan before dark.
However, the West Australian reports that, when the woman returned to their van at 4pm, there was no sign of her husband.
She then contacted a nearby station homestead and a short search was undertaken, which failed to locate her husband … and then the police were called in.
Police using drones, as well as SES volunteers, and locals with knowledge of the area have all since been involved in a major land search operation. However, they have so far failed to locate Mr McDonald, and there are obviously growing concerns for his welfare.
Part of the search area includes a section of Great Northern Highway.
Police are asking any motorists who saw anyone walking or resting along the side of the highway, wearing a chocolate brown jumper and a green/black checked flannel shirt and black jeans, to call police on 131 444.
When we go prospecting, we carry 2 way radio’s, but we limit our distance to no more then a 1000 mts from our camp. I am surprised people don’t think to take 2 ways.
You can take 2 ways and still have a medical event or snakebite etc. A lot of these incidents we are best to wait till we have the facts.
PLB, wouldn’t be without one when camping/travelling remote.