Police and emergency services have expanded their search for a hiker missing on the New South Wales south coast after the Bureau of Meteorologyissued a severe weather warningfor the region.
Christopher Moore was last seen about 10.30am on Wednesdaywhen he was dropped off for a solo camping trip at Twelve Mile Road in Jerrawangala, about 30km south of Nowra. He was due to be picked up at the same location on Friday.
When he did not arrive his family contacted police, who began a search for the 38-year-old.
“All of the services – SES, RFS, national parks, police rescue – are all involved again today as they were yesterday,” a police spokesperson said on Monday.
“We have additional resources today because the weather is supposed to turn a little bit for the next couple of days, so we have additional crews working to try and locate him.”
The BoM warned that large parts of the NSW coast would be hit by gales and dangerous surf conditions from Tuesday evening.
Police and his family hold concerns for Moore’s welfare.
⚠️Coastal Hazard Warning for Tues 1 July.Gale force winds will produce large and powerful surf conditions from Seal Rocks to Batemans Bay, from Tues evening. Beach conditions will be dangerous, with possible erosion and damage. Other warnings current.https://t.co/Ss766eSCrLpic.twitter.com/etAY101HQq
Ch Insp David Cockram said the hiker was “experienced” and was believed to have adequate supplies.
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“You’d have to have some sort of experience, good provisions and good equipment to try and navigate through that area, particularly as a solo person,” Cockram said,according to an ABC report.
“[Moore] had intentions to go off track, as well, which provides some further complications for us.”
Moore was described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build with short light brown hair, a beard and a moustache. He was last seen wearing khaki and black pants and a khaki-coloured hooded jumper.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Nowra police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.