Rescue Efforts Continue for a Fifth Day in Search for Hiker Missing in ‘Waist-Deep’ Snow

Authorities in Tasmania are continuing their efforts to locate a man who went missing after setting out on a hike in Mount Field National Park.

On Wednesday, Oct. 15, Tasmania Police confirmed that the search for 30-year-old Daryl Fong remains active. Fong was last heard from early Sunday, Oct. 12, when he sent a text message to a friend around 3:00 a.m., saying he had become delayed and planned to seek shelter overnight.

Inspector Luke Horne said the friend grew concerned after being unable to reach Fong and contacted police around 2:50 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13.

“Since Monday night, search crews have been searching the area; however, at this stage, Daryl has not been located,” Horne said.

Police located Fong’s white Subaru in the Lake Dobson car park, where they believe he left it before starting his hike.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Fong camped in his car on Friday, Oct. 10, before setting out on the Tarn Shelf Circuit the following day. The circuit spans roughly seven and a half miles, and Fong reportedly carried his camera to take photographs along the route.

Despite ongoing efforts, authorities said search and rescue teams are working under “difficult conditions, including snow and rain, poor visibility, and near gale-force winds.”

“It continues to snow and rain across our search area,” Horne told ABC, noting that about 30 people have joined the operation, including a helicopter team.

He added that snow in some parts is “knee to waist deep,” significantly slowing down search efforts.

Fong’s friend told ABC that his disappearance has been “greatly distressing.” Still, Horne expressed hope that the missing hiker — who has “some experience” with the outdoors — will be found alive.

“Given the weather conditions and the time that has been missing, that environment will present a serious risk to survival without adequate shelter or appropriate equipment,” Horne said. “But we remain focused on locating Daryl as quickly as possible and bringing him home safely to his family.”

As the search continues, Horne urged anyone who may have seen Fong to come forward.

“We know there have been about 100 people in the Mt Field National Park area since Saturday morning when Daryl commenced his walk,” he said. “If anyone noticed Daryl’s car or has any witness information that could assist the search, please contact police.”

The search effort includes personnel from Tasmania Police, Tasmania SES, Ambulance Tasmania, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.