Grave concerns for missing man at The Gap

Police have grave concerns for a 66 year-old man who has been missing at The Gap since early this morning.

A land and sea search has been underway in the area since 5am for a 66-year-old man whose vehicle was found at the popular tourist spot in the Torndirrup National Park.

Strong winds and a 4.5m swell have hampered the search.

It is believed he was driving a white BMW and may have been near The Gap around midnight, where his vehicle has been located.

The man, who has not been named, is fair-skinned, with a medium build and approximately 188cm tall with grey, balding hair.

He was last seen wearing shorts, a striped shirt and possibly thongs.

His family raised concerns for his welfare this morning.

Great Southern District Acting Superintendent Alex Ryan said police will continue the search amid difficult weather conditions.

“At this point in time it is a marine search, we have conducted a brief land search in the area but we believe the man may be in the water,” he said.

“We have various resources deployed at the moment, police officers on the scene, some SES and sea rescue in their vessel and a police air wing conducting a grid search of the water.”

“We will constantly asses the conditions and see what they will allow us to do, the conditions today are pretty extreme- we’ve got wind gusts up to 40 knots and fairly strong winds and swell.”

He said the weather conditions made it difficult to search the ocean.

“It’s very difficult for the sea rescue volunteers in the ocean, they are almost at the extreme edge of what they can manage, it’s quite severe or a vessel to be in the water,” he said.

Local Rangers are assisting with road closures and motorists are advised to remain away from the area.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.