OUSE:

In Ouse, the search for Mr Trevor Foster (swept away in flood waters from his property around 8am on Monday, 6 June 2016) continued on Wednesday, 15 June with a search and rescue specialist, ground search team, marine and rescue vessel and a search and rescue dog. Unfortunately the search did not locate Mr Foster.

The Ouse River has now receded to normal winter levels, which provided new areas to search. However, due to the extensive nature of the flood, which peaked at 6.7m above normal levels, the amount of debris washed down river and the accompanying inundation it has been an extensive and difficult search to conduct. The ground searches have predominately been focused on the 3-4km stretch of the Ouse River until it merges with the Derwent River, with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter having conducted wider searches further south, including the upper area of the Derwent River.

On Monday, 20 June, a meeting between Bridgewater Police and Search & Rescue Specialists will occur to review this recovery operation.

Police continue to liaise with the Mr Foster’s family. “We understand how important it is to return the missing person to his family, to provide them with some closure, and despite our considerable efforts we have not been successful so far” said Inspector McCreadie, of Bridgewater Division.

EVANDALE:

In Evandale, the search for a 63 year old man who was swept away in floodwaters in the early hours of Tuesday, 7 June 2016 (the man’s female companion was airlifted to safety) continued on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 June utilising a search and rescue dog and SES and marine personnel.

Weather permitting, the search is anticipated to continue early next week when floodwaters have abated, retracing the search areas and utilising foot searches, marine police, and potentially the Westpac Rescue Helicopter (on Wednesday).

Police remain in contact with the missing man’s family who are assisting police in the search.