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Search for missing Indian national Parbhat continues at the Gap in Albany’s Torndirrup National Park

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Albany police Sergeant Vaughan Mackay with a picture of the missing man.
Camera IconAlbany police Sergeant Vaughan Mackay with a picture of the missing man. Credit: Laurie Benson

Emergency services are desperately searching for a missing man last seen at The Gap on Monday.

The 24-year-old Indian national, known only as Parbhat, was sighted at the carpark of the popular tourist lookout in Albany’s Torndirrup National Park about 4pm on Monday with witnesses reporting he was visibly upset and refusing to talk.

On Tuesday, members of the public reported his unattended vehicle to police, sparking a search for the driver that continued on Wednesday with 12 State Emergency Service personnel battling rain and wind to find him.

Sergeant Vaughan MacKay said police had deployed significant resources in their search, which would continue on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Police have launched an immediate search of the surrounding area in regards to try and locate Parbhat, and with assistance of DFES, SES and Volunteer Marine Rescue, a further land and sea search is being conducted throughout today in an attempt to locate Parbhat,” he said.

“Police are seeking public assistance with any information that they may have in regards to the movements of Parbhat, particularly any sightings or conversations with him.”

Albany police Sergeant Vaughan MacKay with a picture of the missing man.
Camera IconAlbany police Sergeant Vaughan MacKay with a picture of the missing man. Credit: Laurie Benson

Sgt MacKay said rough weather was hampering land and sea search efforts.

“Weather is very inclement at the moment, so we’re doing our best obviously by some severe winds and also heavy seas as well, which is obviously limiting the air and also the sea search aspect,” he said.

A car believed to belong to the missing man in The Gap carpark.
Camera IconA car believed to belong to the missing man in The Gap carpark. Credit: Laurie Benson

Parbhat is believed to have been in the Albany area since July 27 and had been living out of his blue Kia Cerato, which remained parked at the Gap.

He is described as olive-skinned with dark hair and a beard and was last seen wearing a dark tracksuit and a dark woollen jumper.

The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park is under police control while they conduct a land and sea search for a missing person.
Camera IconThe Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park is under police control while they conduct a land and sea search for a missing person. Credit: Laurie Benson

The Indian national has no immediate family in Australia and a limited social circle with Sgt MacKay confirming police were trying to contact his family in India.

The Gap is a popular tourist lookout and has an abundance of signs warning visitors of rough weather and to stay on the path.

SES volunteers conduct a search through heavy scrub close to the carpark.
Camera IconSES volunteers conduct a search through heavy scrub close to the carpark. Credit: Laurie Benson

Police are continuing to appeal to the public for any information that may help locate Parbhat.

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

SES volunteers return after conducting a search through heavy scrub.
Camera IconSES volunteers return after conducting a search through heavy scrub. Credit: Laurie Benson

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