Tasmania Police is continuing to call for information in relation to the disappearance of long-term missing man Nicola Sallese.

Friday 17 November marked 15 years since Mr Sallese went missing from Sheffield.

The last positive sighting of Mr Sallese was on Monday 17 November, 2008, when he was seen driving east on Sheffield Main Road, travelling away from Sheffield towards the Bridle Track Road intersection between 1 and 2pm.

About 7pm that same day, an interstate tourist spoke to a man matching the description of Mr Sallese at Southport who was asking for directions to Seven Mile Beach.

The sighting was not reported to police until 21 November after the witness had seen a news report relating to Mr Sallese’s disappearance.

Investigators believe Mr Sallese did not leave Tasmania, and the Southport report was the last positive sighting of him.

Mr Sallese’s vehicle was never recovered, and police are continuing to appeal for information from the public relating to the silver Toyota Camry – registration number FH 2973.

Western District Commander Stuart Wilkinson said missing persons cases remained open until answers were found.

“While most long-term missing persons are not active investigations, they remain open and police will always investigate any new information that comes in,” he said.

“Just last week police received information about a vehicle that may have been Mr Sallese’s missing Toyota Camry, and while unfortunately the vehicle was not his, it is an example of how our investigators are still following up any new leads in relation to his disappearance.

“We understand it is an incredibly difficult, and frustrating experience for the family and loved ones of a long-term missing person – or any missing person – and our aim is to try and provide closure for them. Families always deserve answers to what happened to their loved ones and we owe it to them to find those answers.”

Jason Sallese joined Commander Wilkinson in calling for any new information from the public in relation to his father’s disappearance.

“We know if we can find Dad’s car, then it will unlock some clues as to where he could be,” he said.

“If anyone sees a vehicle that has been sitting on the side of the road, on a forestry trail or down an embankment, we are urging them to report it to police.”

Information can be provided by contacting police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperstas.com.au