Extra resources in search for missing woman near Mt Trio

Police have brought in additional forces in the search for Patricia Byrne, 84, who has been missing for nearly 72 hours near Mt Trio on the edge of the Stirling Range National Park.

More than 40 State Emergency Service volunteers joined the search team this morning, including an SES Tracker Dog Team.

Special units including water police divers, an emergency operations unit and the police air wing were also deployed around Mt Trio early this morning.

Mrs Byrne has been missing since Thursday morning from the Mt Trio and Salt River Road area.

Great Southern Police Inspector Geoff Dickson said “it’s out of character” for the grandmother to have “just suddenly dropped off the radar”.

Police are now looking to speak with someone who may have seen or provided a lift to Ms Byrne.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a white Toyota Tarago in Salt River Road, Formby Road South and Chester Pass Road.

“We heard from a local resident that on the late evening on the day Trish went missing - there was a white Tarago parked in the gravel pit just off Formby pass road,” said Inspector Dickson.

“We just want to see if anyone in the area that can help up further with our search operation.”

With a chance of thunderstorms expected in the area, Emergency Service teams continue to push through their search during the wild weather.

“We are monitoring the weather and continuing our search as best as we can,” inspector Dickson said.

Ms Bryne family who managed the Mt Trio Bush Camp and Caravan Park have thanked everyone’s efforts in the last four days.

“Our family appreciate all the efforts of the police, SES volunteers, Parks and Wildlife Service, St John Ambulance, DFES and other volunteers,” they said.

“We are very thankful of the love and support from our friends and family.”

A police spokesman said police divers were inspecting dams for further clues.

A Police Air Wing drone has been operated after RAC rescue helicopter searched the scene on Thursday and Friday night.

Gnowangerup, Cranbrook, Tambellup, Albany and Katanning police officers are also involved in the search.

Police said Mrs Bryne was wearing a cap with a camouflage fly net, a green and white polo shirt, grey ¾ length pants and black runners.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are,” said Inspector Dickson.

“At 84 it’s going to be a bit of an issue if she hasn’t got to some shelter or water.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 131 444.