Search continues for 52-year-old Victorian man Christopher Inwood missing at Cradle Mountain

Questions over Cradle trip

Speaking to ABC Radio Hobart, Inspector Steve Jones said it did not appear Mr Inwood had logged his route or plans in the national park's logbooks.

He said police had spoken to the man's family who said he had some bushwalking experience, but it was unclear how much.

"We're unaware of what Mr Inwood's intentions or motivations were when he's parked his car up here," Inspector Jones said.

He said it was also not known whether he had a personal locator beacon with him, but that he had not activated one if so, and that his phone was currently switched off.

Inspector Jones also said he was not suggesting Mr Inwood was ill equipped for Tasmania's wilderness in winter as other people recently requiring rescue were, but they also did not know if he was properly prepared.

Anyone with information that could help locate Mr Inwood is urged to contact Tasmania Police 131 444.

The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park remains open to visitors.

A search at Cradle Mountain today involving police officers, SES volunteers, a helicopter crew and drone operators has yet to locate Victorian man Christopher Inwood.

Mr Inwood, 52, is believed to have been in the Cradle Mountain area since Monday night and police have concerns for his welfare.

His white Toyota HiAce van was found in the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road on Tuesday morning. A backpack which police believe may belong to Mr Inwood was found 500m away from the ranger station, in a direction heading to Dove Lake.

Search efforts today have involved four officers from Tasmania Police Search and Rescue, four State Emergency Service volunteers, a wilderness paramedic, two police drone operators and a helicopter team of two police officers and a paramedic.

The helicopter team has landed to check huts and emergency shelters along the Overland Track and also conducted wider aerial searches of the northern section of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Foot patrols have focused on walking tracks and bushland spanning out from the ranger station where Mr Inwood’s vehicle was found parked. (pictures attached)

Weather conditions at Cradle Mountain today have been clear although cold, with the temperature at 3pm around 5C. Overnight temperatures have been below freezing.

Mr Inwood was last seen in Kindred on Monday about 8.30pm and police believe he drove to Cradle Mountain later that night.

Anyone who has information that could assist police locate Mr Inwood is urged to call 131 444.

 

 

Despite extensive search efforts in the Cradle Mountain area, Victorian man Christopher Inwood has not been located.

A Tasmania Police helicopter crew worked in the northern section of the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park on Thursday, but there was no sign of the 52-year-old.

Searches on two previous days involved police officers, SES volunteers, police drone operators, a police helicopter crew and Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.

Today, Tasmania Police made the decision to scale back the active search.

“Police will continue to follow up any new leads or information that may assist in locating Christopher,” Western District Search and Rescue Inspector Steven Jones said.

“Our thoughts remain with his family who are affected during this incredibly difficult time.”

Mr Inwood’s white Toyota HiAce van was found in the car park of a ranger station about 7.30am on Tuesday.

He had last been seen in Kindred, in the state’s north, about 8.30pm on Monday and police were operating on the belief Mr Inwood drove from Kindred to Cradle Mountain late Monday night.

“Extensive search efforts have been undertaken in the area where the missing person was last believed to be,” Inspector Jones said.

“At this stage, that area has been comprehensively searched, and all reasonable search strategies have been completed.”

Inspector Jones said Mr Inwood’s vehicle was located on the outskirts of the national park, but there was currently no further evidence to confirm his location.

“Given the length of time Mr Inwood has been missing and the harsh weather conditions in the area, if he has been fully exposed to the elements, sadly, his chances of survival are extremely low,” Inspector Jones said.

If anyone has information about the location of Mr Inwood, pictured, or his recent movements, call Tasmania Police on 131 444.