Police in northern Western Australia have grave concerns for the welfare of a missing 70-year-old man feared lost in Pilbara bushland after abandoning his car.
Michael Gill was driving to Mandurah from his home in South Hedland on Tuesday, June 14, when he told family he had run out of fuel and thought he was near Newman Airport.
Mr Gill was last seen walking along the Great Northern Highway, about 30 kilometres north of the Kumarina Roadhouse, on Friday morning.
On Saturday his phone was in range of the Collier Range National Park, about 140km south of Newman.
Superintendent Massam said police think Mr Gill may have become disorientated.
"Members of the public did give Mr Gill some water, we're concerned that he's walked back into the bush and hence we've commenced a land search in that area at the moment," he said.
"What is also another option is that a member of the public has picked up Mr Gill and driven him into either Newman or south to Meekatharra or maybe even to his destination which is down to Mandurah."
Superintendent Kim Massam has urged anyone who may have collected Mr Gill from the side of the road to contact police immediately.
"We are desperate to find out so that we can continue our searches for him in the right locations," he said.
Mr Gill's car, a grey Toyota Kluger with registration 1GCY949, was found in bushland 100km south of Newman yesterday.
Mr Gill is described as being about 170 centimetres tall with grey balding hair, fair skin and blue-green eyes.
Superintendent Massam said concerns for Mr Gill's welfare were growing by the hour.
"At the same time, I'm hoping and praying that Mr Gill has been collected by a member of the public and that if they have found him, that they call us or they move him to a safe location," he said.
"But if he stays in that area, it's rough terrain.
Police, emergency services and air assets, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority jet, are continuing with the search.
Superintendent Massam said the search would centre around Mr Gill's vehicle.
"The last point that we can definitely confirm Mr Gill's location was near that motor vehicle, so we'll search a perimeter around that," he said.
Superintendent Massam told the ABC the search would continue until Mr Gill was found.
"Hopefully we find him safely and rapidly," he said.
"Clearly we're very concerned about people, how long they stay in the bush without food and water, but at this point we are very much committed to conducting the most thorough search."
Superintendent Massam said there was no suspicion of foul play.
