A huge search operation is underway to find a missing man three months after he was seen headed towards one of the world’s longest walking tracks.
Samuel Robert Whitsed, 27, from Victoria was walking towards the Bibbulmun Track carrying camping items near the Brookton Highway in Armadale, in Perth’s south, on February 18.
Police believe Mr Whitsed intended to travel along the 1003km walking trail and made it as far as Mundaring, in the Perth Hills, a distance not much further than 20km.
Armadale Officer in Charge Rob Lewis told media a green tent linked to Mr Whitsed was found at a camping spot along the track known as Canning Hut about six weeks ago.
The campsite is about a three to four hour hike from the highway.
He said officers began a nine-day search through thick vegetation and rough terrain on foot and by drone last month in areas surrounding the Canning Hut and Brookton campsites.
“If he is out there and he does happen to hear this, we’d ask that he reach out to police and just to let us know that he’s safe and well.”
He also called for anyone who has property along the track to check outbuildings in case Mr Whitsed has used them.
“Any piece of information that the community can provide us, however little, can be vital in us locating him, and that’s the family’s wishes that we just locate Sam,” Senior Sergeant Lewis said.
Mr Whitsed, who was a known bushwalker and “lived off the land”, was dropped off in the area after getting a lift from a man.
“Nothing suspicious, at this point in time it’s a welfare concern,” Senior Sergeant Lewis said.
Mr Whitsed is about 170-180cm tall, of slim-medium build, with short brown hair, a beard and moustache.
He was last seen wearing black trousers, a red T-shirt or light-coloured jumper, and slides.
Police urged anyone who has seen Mr Whitsed or has information about his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers.
