Tasmania Police continue to hold grave concerns for Mr Trevor Foster who was swept away in flood waters from his property in Ouse around 8am Monday 6 June.

The search and rescue operation to locate the missing man re-commenced around 10am today at Ouse and continued throughout the day. Police are utilising police search and rescue specialists, marine police and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter for the search.

The weather in the area has improved significantly and the flood water levels continue to recede. Police have located a hat, which they believe Mr Foster was wearing at the time he was swept away. DNA testing will be used to confirm that it is Mr Foster’s.

Inspector Matthew McCreadie, Officer in Charge of the search operation said “It is now in excess of 60 hours since Mr Foster was last seen. Sadly, despite our considerable efforts we must be realistic that there is little hope of finding Mr Taylor alive. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the local Ouse community at this difficult time.”

Police will now focus on recovery efforts to locate Mr Foster’s body, which police hope will be assisted by the receding water levels. Tomorrow police will utilise police divers and ground search teams in the recovery efforts.

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In Evandale, search crews on land and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter have scoured the area of the South Esk River between Leighlands Road and Perth. The 63 year old man and his female companion were swept away in floodwaters in the early hours of yesterday morning. The woman was later found and airlifted to safety.

The van which was being driven by the pair has been located by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter near Leighlands Road, but there is no sign of the missing man. Police have not yet been able to recover the vehicle because of the dangerous floodwaters.

The search will resume tomorrow.