A tent believed to belong to one of the missing pair is found at Mitchell Hut on Mt Bogong. Source: News Corp Australia
Two missing snowboarders were experienced and well prepared for their Vic trip their families say.
POLICE say hope is still alive for two snowboarding mates who have been missing for four nights in remote terrain on Victoria’s highest mountain, Mt Bogong.
The search continues for Martin (Martie) Buckland, 33, from Yarra Junction and Daniel Kerr, 32, from Hawthorn, have not been heard from since Thursday.
Police said the back-country snowboarders failed to return to their campsite at Mitchell Hut on Saturday.
Wangaratta police area commander David Ryan said the men’s experience helped authorities remain confident.
The men were regular ‘extreme’ snowboarders with knowledge of ‘virgin snow’.
“We are hopeful at this state that potentially something has gone wrong and they have tried to head downhill out of the snow,” he said.
Inspector David Ryan outside search HQ at Mt Beauty Police station. Source: News Corp Australia
“(With) the amount of snow we have had their had been a number of areas that have had avalanches. We are looking for clues.”
Rescuers are battling knee-deep snow in steep areas and police have warned members of the public to stay away and not join the search.
Police are speaking with family members about emergency equipment the men could be carrying.
Inspector Ryan said it was worrying the emergency beacon had not been deployed.
The Herald Sun has been told some members of the rescue team hold grave fears for the duo.
Family members are staying in Mt Beauty but have asked to remain unidentified.
It is the third rescue in the area this week, but police maintain these are normal conditions for this time of year.
A group of walkers came across the men’s campsite about 6am yesterday and found an unoccupied tent containing sleeping bags and other equipment.
The adventurers made contact with family members on Thursday night after speaking to them and sending pictures of their camping site from a mobile phone, but they have not made contact since.
Avalanches have been reported at Mt Bogong during the past week.
Police helicopters are joining the search today, with bad weather expected to move in tomorrow.
Temperatures in the area fell to -3.6C overnight, with winds up to 30km/h.
Volunteer searchers are being warned of treacherous ice conditions and have been asked to check in with police regularly.
Searchers at Mitchell Hut on Mt Bogong. Source: News Corp Australia
The SES will continue moving supplies up the mountain as they prepare for a search that could last days. Volunteers are carrying ice picks and satellite phones.
The Herald Sun has been told hopes of finding the men alive is fading
The families said they were “absolutely devastated”.
Martie’s wife, Sally Buckland, said Mt Bogong was his favourite place and he knew it like the back of his hand.
Daniel’s parents, Marg and Phil Kerr, said they were trying to deal with the situation as best they can.
“We are absolutely devastated by the news of Martie and Daniel’s disappearance and hope with every passing minute that we are told they have been found safe. We are not naive to the possibilities however,” they said.
“Martie and Daniel have been great friends since year seven and met at secondary school.
“The boys both work in sports and recreational based professions and live and breathe the outdoors having been on many adventures such as this one in the past.
Fresh snow at Mt Bogong. Source: Supplied
“Our families want to stress how experienced and prepared Martie and Daniel were for this trip, keenly aware of both the risks and the unpredictable nature the outdoors offer.
“Their local knowledge of Mt Bogong and the surrounds, combined with their equipment and experience just adds to the frustration of dealing with their disappearance.”
Temperatures on the mountain last night plummeted from 6C to below freezing, about -1C.
Police said the snowboarders had an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) that hasn’t been activated.
The two men signed a troop intention book at Camp Creek last Wednesday, indicating they intended to stay at Michell Hut and then camp at Eskdale Spur before returning on Saturday.
Skier/Snowboarder tracks in the recent fresh snow at Mt Bogong. Source: Supplied
Yesterday, nine police search and rescue members were joined by volunteer searchers from the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, Bush Search and Rescue, State Emergency Service and off-duty ski patrollers from Falls Creek.
Mt Bogong is about 330km northwest of Melbourne. Google Maps. Source: Supplied
Victoria Police search and rescue Sergeant Simon Brand said he wanted to get the search underway while weather conditions on the mountain remained fine.
“We want to get as much ground covered and searched before nightfall and while the weather is still being kind to us,” he said yesterday.
“(On Saturday) these snowboarders were just overdue but since their campsite was located this morning we certainly have concerns for their wellbeing.
“Thankfully we have a number of experienced volunteers who have turned out to assist with the search.”
anthony.dowsley@news.com.au
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