A major search operation in northern Tasmania is currently underway at two locations– one at the North Esk River and another at bushland near Nabowla in the state’s north-east  – as investigations into the disappearance of 14 year old Shyanne-Lee Tatnell continue.

Northern District Commander Kate Chambers said a bushland area of more than 50 square kms was currently being searched in the Nabowla area, with a team of about 160 search and rescue personnel being deployed to the scene.

A specialist cadaver dog from NSW Police is also being used to scour the North Esk River.

“NSW Police dog handler Senior Constable Chris Hill and a five year old cadaver detection dog will be taking part in a search of the North Esk River today in the vicinity of where Shyanne-Lee was last seen,” Commander Chambers said.

“Tasmania Police acknowledges our strong partnership with NSW Police, which is only one of two law enforcement jurisdictions in Australia with a cadaver detection capability.”

Commander Chambers said that this was the largest search operation in northern Tasmania to date, involving 20 trained search and rescue personnel, 20 State Emergency Service volunteers, helicopter resources, volunteers on horseback, motorbikes, ATVs, drones and more than 100 Tasmania Police recruits.

“We would like to acknowledge our key partners – the Australian Federal Police who are assisting us with their ground penetrating radar capability and NSW Police for the use of their specialist cadaver dog and dog handler.”

Detective Acting Inspector Andrew Hanson said that police were following a specific line of inquiry based on information received.

“In recent weeks, we’ve successfully identified all the vehicles of interest that were captured on CCTV in the Henry Street area, travelling towards Launceston, around 9pm on 30 April when Shyanne-Lee was last seen. All drivers have now spoken to police.

“We’ve searched the North Esk River several times – utilising helicopters and ground search and rescue crews, with the help of volunteers on foot, horseback and ATVs.

“Our investigative team has spent considerable time scouring CCTV, interviewing witnesses, and meticulously following up every lead.

“The Tasmanian community has been fantastic and provided several important pieces of information to police. Each and every one has been thoroughly followed up,” he said.

“Our search efforts this week are as a result of our commitment to locate Shyanne-Lee and act on all information or leads. We are doing everything in our power to make that happen.”

Detective Acting Inspector Hanson said that the searches were expected to be ongoing for several days.

Anyone who may have information in relation to Shyanne-Lee’s location or movements is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided anonymously – we don’t need your details, just the information you have which may help us locate Shyanne-Lee.

Anyone with information that would assist police to locate Shyanne-Lee or determine her movements is asked to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania.