The search for missing Scottsdale man Peter Willoughby enters a fourth day with rescuers facing difficult conditions, but not giving up hope. Here’s the latest

Search continues for missing man Peter Willoughby, 76, who was last spotted on a walk in bushland about 2km from Hollybank, north-east from Launceston, on Sunday. Picture: Tasmania Police

4pm: Difficult conditions has once again hindered search efforts for Peter Willoughby in the state’s North-East as it entered into its fourth day.

A co-ordinated search party of about 50 search and rescue personnel has been unable to find Peter since he went missing in dense bushland in Hollybank on Sunday.

The 67-year-old became separated from his group when retrieving a bogged vehicle in the area. Police said he is being treated for a medical condition that could cause him to be disoriented.

Tasmania Police said the search area was around the same location as crews were scouring on Tuesday and would resume on Thursday.

Search for missing man Peter Willoughby enters fourth day in Tasmania’s north-east. Picture: Tasmania Police
Multiple search units have been working through challenging weather conditions of wind and rain in the rugged and dense bush, police said.

The rescue helicopter was grounded due to poor weather and low visibility, while the effectiveness of police drones has also been hindered by recent wind and rain.

Tasmania Police Northern District Inspector Nick Clark said the search teams had worked hard to try and find Mr Willoughby.

“Given the period of time he has been missing and the challenging weather in the area, there are obvious concerns for Mr Willoughby’s welfare,” Inspector Clark said.

“But we always remain hopeful that we may find him.

“We will continue the search into this evening and again tomorrow, focusing on the vicinity of where he was last seen and some new areas south of the general search area.”

Anyone who has information regarding the incident or who may have seen Mr Willoughby in the area from Sunday is asked to contact police on 131 444.

Wednesday, 10am: A co-ordinated search party of about 50 police, SES and mounted search and rescue volunteers continue to search Hollybanks for missing 76-year-old Peter Willoughby.

High winds continues to thwart assistance from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, as it remains grounded as it was on Tuesday, police confirmed.

Peter went missing when he separated from his group when retrieving a bogged vehicle in the area on Sunday. Police said he is being treated for a medical condition that could cause him to be disoriented.

Tasmania Police said the search area was around the same location as crews were scouring on Tuesday.

When addressing the media yesterday afternoon, Tasmania Police Northern Inspector Nick Clark said they weren’t losing hope on finding Peter alive and well.

Search continues for missing man Peter Willoughby, 76, who was last spotted on a walk in bushland about 2km from Hollybank, north-east from Launceston, on Sunday. Picture: Tasmania Police
Update 3pm: Finding 76-year-old Peter Willoughby alive and well remains the top priority for crews scouring thick Tasmanian bush in the state’s north-east.

A range of resources are being used in the search for the Scottsdale man in the Hollybank area after he went missing when retrieving a bogged vehicle on Sunday.

Tasmania Police Northern Inspector Nick Clark confirmed 45 staff were searching for the missing man, including volunteers mounted on horseback joining rescue crews on Tuesday.

He said windy conditions had grounded the rescue helicopter for the day, however police drone was still able to be used.

“We are not losing hope,” Inspector Clark said.

“Searching has been conducted in trying conditions, it’s pretty windy here today.

“The search has covered 110 hectares so far in a systematic search to try and find Mr Willoughby, but unfortunately at this time we have been unable to locate him.

“The key message is, this is a search mission, we are still trying to locate Mr Willoughby and return him to his family and friends.”

He said it was possible Peter was experiencing hypothermia following bitterly cold nights, the wind-chill factor and a lot of rain.

Inspector Clark said they would continue to search for him until dark, saying searching at night was too dangerous in the dense bushland and to prevent searcher’s fatigue.

Peter was wearing a dark blue jumper, blue jeans and sneakers when he went missing.

He is being treated for a medical condition, which may result in him being disorientated, police said.

Tuesday 7am: The search for Peter Willoughby in the state’s north-east enters a third day, police confirm.

Mounted search and rescue volunteers on horseback have joined rescue crews, including a helicopter and police drone.

It’s believed Peter went missing in the Hollybank area, northeast of Launceston, and was wearing a dark blue jumper, blue jeans and sneakers.

He is being treated for a medical condition, which may result in him being disorientated, police said.

Speaking to media on Monday afternoon, Tasmania Police Northern Inspector Nick Clark said the Scottsdale man went missing on Sunday when he went to retrieve a bogged vehicle.

“He wandered off to the bush, he was with some people but since that time he hasn’t been seen,” Inspector Clark said.

He said police had to extract him last week when his vehicle initially became stuck in bushland behind Hollybank

“The longer this search is taking to locate him, the greater our concerns are. But the key message is we are still actively searching, and we’re hoping for a positive outcome to find Mr Willoughby,” he said on Monday.

Monday: The search for missing man Peter Willoughby continues in bushland at Hollybank, north-east from Launceston.

Police believe the 76-year-old went missing on a walk about 2km from the area on Sunday afternoon.

Missing man Peter Willoughby last seen at Hollybank. Picture: Tasmania Police
He was wearing a dark blue jumper, blue jeans and sneakers.

Police said Peter is being treated for a medical condition, which may result in him being disoriented.

Police and SES search and rescue crews are working alongside an Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedic searching the Excalibur Rd area on foot and on ATVs.

Search continues for missing man Peter Willoughby, 76, who was last spotted on a walk in bushland about 2km from Hollybank, north-east from Launceston, on Sunday. Picture: Tasmania Police
The Westpac Rescue helicopter and drone capability are also being used to conduct aerial searches.

Anyone who has seen Peter is urged to call Police on 1313 444.

Originally published as Search party battles challenging conditions in search for missing man Peter Willoughby