TAS: Tracker dogs join search for missing bushwalker

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2004
TAS: Tracker dogs join search for missing bushwalker

By Libby Sutherland

HOBART, April 28 AAP - Two tracker dogs have joined the expanded search for a bushwalker
missing for three days in southern Tasmania.

Dale Bellette, 32, from Warrane in Hobart's eastern suburbs, was last seen by other
walkers in the Hartz Mountain National Park about 3.30pm (AEST) on Sunday.

Tasmania Police officers, State Emergency Service workers and volunteers have been
scouring the area since the alarm was raised by his anxious parents on Monday.

A police spokesman said the search was stepped up today after several days of bad weather.

He said two tracker dogs had been brought in, together with the police helicopter and
10 teams deployed on the ground.

Canoeists were checking the waterways and banks of the Picton River.

"Police are very concerned for his wellbeing considering the nights in the area are
very cold," the spokesman said.

"It is not known what equipment he had with him.

"There's been no sign of him yet.

"Hopefully the dogs will be able to come up with something."

He said the search would continue until last light and would resume tomorrow.

Authorities have also appealed for a party of three young walkers believed to have
been at Hartz peak between 3pm (AEST) and 5pm on Sunday to contact police.

The return walk to the summit takes about four hours.

Mr Bellette's car was found in the carpark at the start of the walking track, where
he had signed the park's registration book.

AAP las/mg/tnf

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