Family reports elderly woman missing three months after
last sighting
The trails of the Bibbulmun Track, a scenic route stretching
over 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda to Albany, have become the
centre of a perplexing
mystery involving
the disappearance of Nathalie Casal, a 71-year-old Perth doctor.
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.
Major update after doctor missing for three months in Western Australia
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.
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.
Nathalie Casal: Missing walking WA doctor may have been spotted in
Northcliffe town, still not found
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.
Perth doctor who disappeared after going for a walk still missing five months
later
Nathalie Casal told family she was going to walk the Bibbulmun track, about 30km
east of Perth, with a "large group" in December last year.
SBS News
20 May 2024
A retired GP in Western Australia is still
missing months after telling her family she was going for a walk.
Dr Nathalie Casal told family she was
going to walk the Bibbulmun Track, about 30km east of Perth, with a "large
group" in December last year.
The 71-year-old has not been seen or heard
from since.
The Bibbulmun Track is a long-distance
1,000km trail that stretches from Kalamunda, east of Perth, to Albany.
Her family reported her missing three
months later on 7 March.
WA Police told SBS News in an email on
Monday that the investigation is ongoing.
"Wanneroo Police continue to make
inquiries regarding Dr Casal's whereabouts," the email stated.
Police recently conducted searches of
bushland in the vicinity of her home and Lake Gnangara, however "nothing of
note was located", police said.
Casal's son, Ramon Casal, told ABC
radio in April that his mother was a "private person" in terms of
letting those close to her know her plans but the disappearance has been
difficult for the family.
He pleaded with bushwalkers in the
northern suburbs, Gnangara Pines plantation and Gnangara Moore River
State Forest to "pay a little bit more attention than usual" in the
hopes that some sign of his mother could be found.
Casal said his mother deactivated her
phone and gave it to his aunt, who was the last family member with her
on 6 December before she went "off the grid".
He also told the radio host that the
family found out in the course of the police investigation his mother
was diagnosed with a serious illness in 2022, which allegedly prompted
her to retire from her practice.
Casal said there had been no digital
trail or bank account purchases since 3 December.
She is described as being
approximately 157cm tall with a slim build, short grey hair and brown
eyes.
Concerned locals responded to the WA
Police's missing person report on its Facebook page in March.
Many said she was a much-loved GP in
the area.
"She was my GP for 15 years," one
comment said. "I hope she is found well and safe."
Police continue to urge anyone who has
information regarding Casal's whereabouts to report the information to
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by reporting online at
.
Anyone who sees Casal is asked to call
police immediately on 131 444.
