Known for her love of nature and her dedication to her medical practice, Dr Casal's absence has left both her family and the community in a state of alarm.
In December, Dr Casal told her family she would embark on a routine walk along
the Bibbulmun Track, a popular trail among hikers seeking the tranquillity of
Western Australia's bushland.
She informed them that she would be with a large group and might not be
reachable for some time.
However, the routine walk turned into an unsettling silence as she never
returned.
Her family only reported her missing to the authorities last March 7.
The Western Australia Police Force issued a statement on March 14, saying:
‘Police believe she may have started her walk from Mundaring, however, she
hasn't been in contact with family since.’
Dr Casal is not only a respected general practitioner based in Joondalup, 26 km
north of Perth's central business district (CBD), but also an advocate for
animal welfare.
Her passion for the well-being of animals was evident in her submission to the
discussions around the Criminal Code Amendment (Animal Protection) Bill 2015.
The police have expressed grave concerns for Dr Casal's welfare, emphasising
that her disappearance is out of character and urged anyone with information to
come forward.
‘Anyone who has seen Dr Casal, or has any information in relation to her
whereabouts, is urged to contact police immediately on 131 444,’ their post read.
Dr Casal was described as approximately 157cm tall with short grey hair and
brown eyes.
The community has been asked to cast their minds back to December to recall any
sightings or interactions that could provide a clue to her whereabouts.
The Bibbulmun
Track,
while beautiful, is also remote and challenging in parts, raising fears for Dr
Casal's safety. The track's rugged terrain and the length of time since her
disappearance present significant hurdles in the search.
According to Trail Hiking Australia, the track is classified as Grade 4 under
the Australian Walking Track Grading System, ‘a nationally consistent system to
grade the level of difficulty of the track walking experience’.
‘Suitable for experienced hikers as navigation and technical skills will be
required,’ the group said of Grade 4 trails.
‘Trails will be long, rough and very steep with limited signage or navigation
aids. Rock scrambling and river crossings may be required. Hikes generally less
than 25km.’
As the search continues, we extend our thoughts to Dr Casal's family and friends during this difficult time. The SDC hopes for her safe return.
Police have renewed calls for help locating a doctor who disappeared three months ago while hiking with a large group after a possible surprise sighting.
Police have issued an update about a doctor who vanished three months ago while hiking along a popular track with a large group of people.
Dr Nathalie Casal advised her family in December last year that she would be hiking the Bibbulmun Track with a group of people and may be out of contact for some time.
The Bibbulmun Track is a long distance 1000km trail which stretches from Kalamunda, east of Perth, to Albany.
Police believe the 71-year-old may have started her walk from Mundaring, a popular starting point for many of the walking tracks in the area east of Perth.
She has not been seen since she set off for the hike in December, more than three months ago.
Western Australian Police received information Dr Casal may have stopped in Northcliffe for supplies on the afternoon of March 14.
Police are urging people in the area between Northcliffe and Walpole to report any sightings.
Dr Casal is described as being approximately 157cm tall, of slim build, with short grey hair and brown eyes.
Anyone who has seen her, or has any information about her whereabouts, is urged to
contact police immediately on 131 444.
A doctor who told her family three months ago that she was about to walk the Bibbulman track – and hasn’t been seen since – may have been spotted.
But still has not been found.
Nathalie Casal, 71, hasn’t been seen since December, after she told her family she was going to walk the Bibbulmun Track with a large group of people
She advised she may not be reachable for some time.
That was back in December. And her family have still not been able to contact her.
After a public plea for information earlier this month, WA Police said on Saturday that Dr Casal may have stopped in the Northcliffe town for supplies on the afternoon of Thursday 14 March 2024.
“If that information is correct, it is believed Dr Casal would now be somewhere between Northcliffe and Walpole, on her way to Albany,” a spokesperson said.
Police are asking people in the area between Northcliffe and Walpole to report any sightings of Dr Casal, who is described as being approximately 157cm tall, of slim build, with short grey hair and brown eyes.
Anyone who has seen Dr Casal, or has any information in relation to her whereabouts, is urged to contact Police immediately on 131 444.
SBS News 20 May 2024