Western Australia Police drastically escalated their search efforts for 27-year-old Samuel Whitsed on Saturday. Authorities deployed drones over dense bushland near the outskirts of Perth. The multi-agency operation marks a massive geographical shift in the investigation. Whitsed initially vanished from the Melbourne suburb of St Albans on February 14.
The operational footprint relocated entirely across the continent after investigators spent two months focusing on the Australian east coast. A green tent was discovered abandoned near the Canning Hut and Brookton Campsite areas. Search teams sifted through the region between April 28 and May 7. They confirmed the equipment belonged to the missing man.
Officials released new aerial footage showing officers, rangers, and volunteers tracking through the rough terrain. Whitsed was last seen carrying camping gear. He was heading towards the Bibbulmun Track on Brookton Highway near Albany Highway.
The Bibbulmun Track is globally recognized as one of the world’s longest continuous walking trails. The dense vegetation presents complex logistical challenges for emergency responders rushing to locate trapped or missing hikers in remote environments.
Whitsed is described as 170cm to 180cm tall. He has a slim to medium build, short brown hair, a beard, and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt or light-coloured jumper, black trousers, and slides. Police are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.