A huge search operation is underway to find a missing man three months after he was seen headed towards one of the world\u2019s longest walking tracks.<\/p>\n
Samuel Robert Whitsed, 27, from Victoria was walking towards the Bibbulmun Track carrying camping items near the Brookton Highway in Armadale, in Perth\u2019s south, on February 18.<\/p>\n
Police believe Mr Whitsed intended to travel along the 1003km walking trail and made it as far as Mundaring, in the Perth Hills, a distance not much further than 20km.<\/p>\n
Armadale Officer in Charge Rob Lewis told media a green tent linked to Mr Whitsed was found at a camping spot along the track known as Canning Hut about six weeks ago.<\/p>\n
The campsite is about a three to four hour hike from the highway.<\/p>\n
He said officers began a nine-day search through thick vegetation and rough terrain on foot and by drone last month in areas surrounding the Canning Hut and Brookton campsites.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf he is out there and he does happen to hear this, we\u2019d ask that he reach out to police and just to let us know that he\u2019s safe and well.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also called for anyone who has property along the track to check outbuildings in case Mr Whitsed has used them.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny piece of information that the community can provide us, however little, can be vital in us locating him, and that\u2019s the family\u2019s wishes that we just locate Sam,\u201d Senior Sergeant Lewis said.<\/p>\n
Mr Whitsed, who was a known bushwalker and \u201clived off the land\u201d, was dropped off in the area after getting a lift from a man.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing suspicious, at this point in time it\u2019s a welfare concern,\u201d Senior Sergeant Lewis said.<\/p>\n
Mr Whitsed is about 170-180cm tall, of slim-medium build, with short brown hair, a beard and moustache. <\/p>\n
He was last seen wearing black trousers, a red T-shirt or light-coloured jumper, and slides.<\/p>\n
Police urged anyone who has seen Mr Whitsed or has information about his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers.<\/p>\n