Source : Perth Now news
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will join a desperate search to help find a missing Gold Coast magician who was last seen eight days ago.
Daniel Hidden, 26, left his Chelsea Ave home at Broadbeach in a silver Hyundai Santa Fe wagon, towing a Galaxy caravan about 3am on June 14.
Police found his vehicle and caravan at a Currumbin Creek Rd carpark in Currumbin Valley about 3pm on June 16.
Serious concerns are held for his welfare, due to the disappearance being out of character for Mr Hidden.
Acting Inspector Brett Jackson told 7News police, Polair and drones have been used to search for Mr Hidden in difficult terrain.
He said ADF members were expected to join the search on Tuesday and Wednesday, before they reassess their strategy.
“We have the family out on scene and obviously they’re very distraught and our thoughts are with them and we’re doing everything we can to try to locate Hidden,” Inspector Jackson said.
“Unfortunately we haven’t located anything in the bushland during our search.
“We’re hoping to identify some sort of signs or trail, but it is very dense rainforest bushland and it does go over a large, very large area.”
Inspector Jackson said the circumstances of Mr Hidden’s disappearance and reasons why he was in Currumbin Valley were still being investigated.
“Whether it was a day hike or a planned longer stay, that’s still subject of the investigation,” he said.
“We’re treating this as a search and rescue.
“The size of the search and the resources is because of the terrain and also the high likelihood of survival in that terrain.
“It is an area where there is availability of water, so our hopes are that we can find Hidden and that’s why we’re taking all necessary steps and using all available resources we can.”
Mr Hidden is 180cm tall with an average build, olive complexion, long black hair, a black beard and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a maroon-coloured top and black cargo pants.
Police urge Mr Hidden or anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Policelink.
