Dangerous weather conditions are hampering a police search for a missing walker in the Cradle Mt/Lake St Clair National Park.

Three police search and rescue teams, a police marine vessel and a team of SES volunteers, are currently searching for 57 year old Victorian man, Michael Bowman of Mt Waverley, who is an experienced bushwalker.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was forced to turn back from the search late this morning due to dangerous weather conditions. Further attempts will be made when the weather conditions improve.

“Our information is that Michael is an experienced bushwalker who was well prepared for this walk,” Acting Inspector Curtis said.

“The last information that his family had is that he was at a sheltered campsite. We are concerned for his welfare, but we remain optimistic that Michael will be located alive and well.”

The focus of the search is the Mt Cuvier area of the Lake St Clair National Park.

“This is rugged terrain with no formal track. Land crews have been assigned from Narcissus Hut to Cuvier area and surrounds and also from Visitors Centre to Narcissus,” Acting Inspector Curtis said.

“These people are skilled and experienced searchers. Police would like to thank those people who have volunteered to join the search, however the conditions are not suitable for unskilled volunteers.

“The search is being further hampered by the current weather event, with no mobile communications in the area.”

Mr Bowman indicated an intention to walk in the Mt Cuvier region and was due to return to the Lake St Clair visitor centre on 13 July. He is understood to be carrying an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), which has not been activated.

He is described as being approximately 180cm tall, of medium build, carrying a grey pack and wearing a red/orange jacket and dark coloured pants. He is thought to be using a yellow/mustard coloured tent.

Anyone who may have seen Mr Bowman in the Cradle Mt/Lake St Clair National Park is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.