Found Deceased AUS - Alistair Thomson, Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, 21 May 2024

[lolz]

Victorian man missing along Larapinta Trail in Central Australia

Victorian man Alistair Thomson missing along Larapinta Trail in Central Australia​

• In short: Emergency services are searching for a Victorian hiker in his 60s along the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia.
• Alistair Thomson set off alone on the trail west of Alice Springs on May 13 and last contacted family via text on May 21.
• What's next? Police are continuing to seek information from the public as to Mr Thomson's whereabouts.

A police search operation is continuing for a Victorian man in his 60s who went missing along the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia.

Alistair Thomson, 64, set off alone on the trail west of Alice Springs on Monday, May 13, and last contacted family via text on Tuesday, May 21.

NT Police described Mr Thomson as an "experienced hiker with adequate food and water".

On Wednesday morning police established a search operation which has included use of a low-wing jet, helicopter, vehicles, and foot teams.

The trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges is popular among hikers.(Supplied:Lukáš Pečinka)
NT Police Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr said after receiving information about a potential sighting in Alice Springs earlier this week, police were now moving their focus back to the trail.

"Throughout the course of [Thursday], we will be shifting our intensity over to Section 6, 5, and 4," he said.

"That's based on a number of reasons but largely around the advice that we've received from some experts as to the difficulty of those particular sections on the trail."

The rugged West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia attracts thousands of hikers each year who take on some or all of the Larapinta Trail across 230 kilometres and 12 sections.

 

[IminSyd]

Wonder how long Alistair meant to hike for? And whether he had emergency tools like a flare. Hope he is found soon in case he is lost or hurt.

 

[indicolite22]

UPDATE #2 - Concern for Welfare – Alice Springs | NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services

UPDATE: This media release has been amended since the original release. Northern Territory Police are continuing their search for a missing 64-year-old man on the Larapinta Trail near Alice Springs. He was last heard from via text message on Tuesday 21 May 2024, reporting that he had planned to...

pfes.nt.gov.au

Northern Territory Police are continuing their search for missing 64-year-old man Alistair Thomson on the Larapinta Trail near Alice Springs.

Alistair was last heard from via text message on Tuesday 21 May 2024, reporting that he had planned to be at Hugh Gorge by Wednesday 22 May 2024. Alistair’s location continues to remain unknown.

A significant search operation has been underway on the Larapinta Trail since 9am on Wednesday 29 May.

Police have focussed the search to Section 6 of the Larapinta Trail, and to the south of this section towards Namatjira Drive. Due to improved weather, two helicopters have been tasked and deployed to the area. Other lower priority areas have not been ruled out at this stage.

Picture of his tent:

Larapinta Trail and Trailheads - Google My Maps

With the exception of Standley Chasm (Section 4/5 Trailhead) and Telegraph Station (Section1 Trailhead) all of the Larapinta Trail Trailheads are located within the West MacDonnell National Park. Access to these trailheads vary. Some can only be accessed by high clearance 4WD. Also note that...

www.google.com

 

[annpats]

Wonder how long Alistair meant to hike for? And whether he had emergency tools like a flare. Hope he is found soon in case he is lost or hurt.

I wonder if he had ever done much hiking in Australia's hot, dry and difficult interior.

He's from Victoria state in the south -east if the country, which is completely different. It's green, and lush due to rain and mountainous in parts but plenty of suburbs in the cities.

I'm sure this wasn't his first time hiking in rocky desert because it would be foolish to attempt this trail as a newbie.

I am of the opinion he has slipped and fallen and passed away or has had a heart attack or other medical issue and passed away.

MOO.

 

[aussie Aussie]

I wonder if he had ever done much hiking in Australia's hot, dry and difficult interior.

He's from Victoria state in the south -east if the country, which is completely different. It's green, and lush due to rain and mountainous in parts but plenty of suburbs in the cities.

I'm sure this wasn't his first time hiking in rocky desert because it would be foolish to attempt this trail as a newbie.

I am of the opinion he has slipped and fallen and passed away or has had a heart attack or other medical issue and passed away.

MOO.

He is an experienced hiker who has done hiking internationally.

My understanding was that he was carrying an epirb and a sat phone.

His fitness level is good.

He was going to do the full trail and was going for around 2 weeks with adequate food and water.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

MSN

NT Police locates body of missing Victorian hiker Alistair Thomson along Larapinta Trail in Central Australia​