Tasmania Search and Rescue: Unexplained Calls for Help Trigger Extensive Operation
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A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in Tasmania’s north-west after unexplained cries for help were reported emanating from dense bushland near South Riana. Despite deploying significant resources, authorities have yet to locate the source of the distress calls or any indication of a missing person.
Initial Reports and Deployment
The search commenced on saturday evening, approximately 8:15 pm, when a local resident reported hearing calls for help, described as a male voice, coming from behind Wyllies Road in Riana. Tasmania Police responded immediately and confirmed hearing similar calls, but were unable to establish interaction with the source or find any physical evidence of someone in need of assistance.
“police attended shortly after and also heard the calls for help, but were unable to communicate with the source, or find any trace of a person in distress,” a Tasmania police spokesperson said.
the initial response involved ground teams, drones, and the Westpac Rescue helicopter, all tasked with scouring the heavily wooded terrain surrounding the Blythe River.
Challenging Conditions and Continued search
Search operations were temporarily suspended around 3:00 am Sunday due to deteriorating conditions, including poor visibility and difficult terrain. However, Tasmania Police Search and Rescue personnel, bolstered by volunteers from the state Emergency Service (SES), resumed the comprehensive search in daylight hours.
Despite these extensive efforts, authorities have confirmed they have not discovered any individuals, personal belongings, or other evidence suggesting someone is stranded in the bushland. The search area specifically focused on the challenging terrain near the Blythe River.
Public Appeal for Information
With the search continuing to yield no results,police are now appealing to the public for assistance. Authorities are seeking information regarding anyone who may have been planning a visit to the area around South Riana Dam and has not been heard from, or who cannot be contacted.
“If anyone has information in relation to someone that was planning to visit this area and has not been heard from, or they have been unable to contact them, please notify police on 131 444,” authorities said.
The ongoing investigation highlights the challenges of search and rescue operations in remote and densely forested areas, and underscores the importance of public vigilance in reporting any potentially relevant information.
Why: A search and rescue operation was initiated following reports of unexplained cries for help.
Who: The operation involves Tasmania Police,Search and Rescue personnel,SES volunteers,and is seeking information from the public. The cries for help were described as a male voice.
What: Unexplained cries for help were reported near South Riana, prompting a large-scale search of the surrounding bushland, particularly near the Blythe River and South Riana Dam.
How did it end?: As of the time of this report, the search has yielded no results. No missing person has been found, and the source of the cries for help remains unknown. Authorities are now appealing to the public for information about anyone who may have been planning a visit to the area and has not been heard from. The search is ongoing.
