Search continues for missing photographer on Bluff Knoll
A search operation for father of three Matthew Dwyer has resumed at first light today.
Overnight, the AMSA Challenger Search and Rescue Jet conducted a search of the area.
Today’s search will include the deployment of Police Air Wing, who will be utilising a helicopter and a drone for the 51-year-old.
Resources from Department of Fire and Emergency Services (SES volunteers) and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers) will continue to support the search operation.
About 7.30am yesterday, police were told that that Mr Dwyer’s backpack and car keys had been found on the mountain by other hikers.
His white Nissan Campervan was found in the Bluff Knoll carpark.
The Fremantle based photographer photographer was described as 180cm with a slim build and grey, balding hair. He was possibly wearing long pants, a blue top and a jumper.
Dwyer has climbed Bluff Knoll several times in the past. He is a seasoned wildlife photographer with 30 years experience who took a prized picture of a quokka in the snow at Bluff Knoll last year.
The hike which netted him the photo of a quokka in the snow was his first wildlife photography expedition after major back surgery.
This is the third emergency in the Stirlings this week after two other hikers had to be winched off on Sunday and Monday.
The search for Mr Dwyer comes five months after the body of 39-year-old Mandurah mother Lorjie Bautista was found at the bottom of a steep incline in dense bush at Bluff Knoll.
It took search crews almost a week to find the body of Ms Bautista as they battled steep terrain and heavy bush surrounding the summit.
Anyone who sees Mr Dwyer asked to call police on 131 444.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails