The search for an 83-year-old grey nomad who went missing while out prospecting in WA’s remote Mid West region has been called off.
Trevor McDonald hasn’t been seen since Saturday afternoon after going prospecting in an area about 50 kilometres south of Meekatharra. Peth Now reports that he and his wife had been intending to meet back at their caravan after heading off in separate directions near the Bluebird mine.
When Mr McDonald did not return, police mounted a huge aerial and land search with support from State Emergency Service officers.
“A decision has been made to suspend the search for missing man Trevor McDonald pending further information being received,” WA Police said. “Police would like to thank all the volunteers who assisted with the search efforts over several days over challenging terrain.”
Perth Now reports that while Mr McDonald was physically fit, police said he had a heart condition and wasn’t carrying a mobile phone.
“He had a plan with his wife that he was going to walk out about a kilometre with his metal detector and then return … but he did not come back,” Inspector Dave Hooper told the ABC.
“Unfortunately, because he was going on a short walk, which he apparently does quite often, he didn’t have water or food with him or any form of communication.”
Why would they call of the search? The chap is somewhere! At 83 he’s hardly gone walkabout.
Are you kidding me? It is amazing how far an 83 year old can walk.
Im certain if they thought he was breaching CHO orders they would. Poor Bloke could have a twisted ankle or other. They could at least get some dogs oput there even if they scale it down.
spot on. They conduct sea rescues for days.
I’m pretty sure search experts with more knowledge than you or I would have good reason to call it off.
Exactly.
Gone 5+ days. How much/any water in the area? Did the searchers note any sources of water. Creek beds etc ? If not changes of survival are impossibly slim it would seem? If person lost and still sensible, They would most lilkey leave signs for searchers – ie piles of rocks or sticks toi indicate the direction they moving in ?
What could go wrong..??
The Australian bush can be very harsh and unforgiving.
Hidden dangers are abundant. Snakes, wild dogs, dingos, pigs, dehydration and exposure.
Never underestimate our beautiful country be well prepared or it will catch you unaware with dire consequences. Stay safe.
A trained police dog would have no trouble tracking him. Wife gives dog the mans clothes to scent off and the starting point and man found, yes it should be that easy. Something is definitely off with this story.