The search for 70-year-old missing man Elson Kiddle will continue today.

A group of 70 searchers set off from Lumeah Avenue, Lenah Valley at 9am today to continue searching in six square kilometres of rugged bushland.

The search party consists of 18 police, 12 SES members, 2 TFS volunteers, and 38 family and friends of Elson. The Search and Rescue helicopter, trail bikes and ATVs will also form part of the search.

“We have consulted with medical experts and if Elson has been in the bush for five days he would need access to water to survive. We are directing the search to water sources in the area and our focus remains on finding Elson alive,” said Acting Inspector Damien George.

“The search efforts from the air yesterday were focused on water sources in Wellington Park, and today’s ground search will continue to search along creeks and rivulets in the vicinity of the area where his vehicle was located on Monday.

“If Elson has found a water source, he has a good chance of survivability if he hasn’t received significant injuries.

A professional drone operator last night volunteered their time and spent several hours flying a specialised drone with thermal imaging capability over the area.

“Tasmania Police would like to thank the overwhelming number of volunteers who have come forward to help search bushland over the last three days.” he said.