A major search and rescue operation in Victoria's south-west has entered its third day after a 74-year-old woman was reported missing in the Mount Richmond area, near Portland, on the morning of Wednesday, December 20.
Key points:
- The search continues for a missing 74-year-old bushwalker, Kay, after unsuccessful overnight air search
- Kay's family say the disappearance is out of character and they have concerns over a medical condition
- Police are also searching for a teenage boy who was swept into the water nearby at Cape Bridgewater a day earlier
Police helicopters, the dog squad and mounted officers searched the area overnight with the help of State Emergency Service and Parks Victoria workers.
Elizabeth, also known as Kay, was last seen bushwalking near Swan Lake camping ground on Wednesday morning.
Police have been told the 74-year-old's disappearance is out of character but that Kay is familiar with the Portland and Hamilton areas.
Inspector Steve Thompson says they are still holding out hope of finding Kay.
"It appears that she has wandered away from her walking group, and the group have noticed she's missing but couldn't locate her and raised the alarm," he said.
"We believe she had some water with her, but we don't believe she had any food.
"We're still hoping to find her alive and well, but the more time that passes the higher our concerns become.
"At this point in time we're not slowing down and we're doing all we can."
It is the second search and rescue mission currently underway in the region, after a 14-year-old boy was swept into the water at Cape Bridgewater on Tuesday.