Police relaunch search for Tanja Ebert at Mannahill homestead
UPDATED: Major Crime detectives will spend several days searching wells and mines with special camera equipment as they investigate the disappearance and suspected murder of Tanja Ebert.
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MAJOR Crime detectives will spend several days searching wells and mines with special camera equipment as part of their ongoing investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of Tanja Ebert.
On Wednesday police launched a second major search for mother-of-two Ms Ebert, 23, after she was reported missing earlier this month.
Her husband, Michael Burdon, 41, fatally shot himself as police scoured Oulnina Park Station — the couple’s property near Manna Hill — on August 16.
A short time beforehand, SA Police announced they believed Ms Ebert had been murdered.
The search was suspended on August 19.
A 23-man team of detectives and search specialists, including a Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources drill inspector, arrived at the property Wednesday morning in a bid to piece together what happened to Ms Ebert.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray, officer in charge of the Major Crime Investigation Branch, said officers had spent past days researching and planning this week’s search of the extensive rural property with help from mining specialists.
Together they identified 20 wells and mines as well as other areas of interest on the remote sheep station.
Det Supt Bray told The Advertiser new areas of interest had been identified by people with “intimate local knowledge” of the terrain.
“We’ve had significant liaison with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in respect to active and historical wells on the property and the mines department,” he said.
“That’s culminated in identifying over 20 wells or shafts from old mines that will need to be searched and there’s also other areas of interest on the property that have been identified to us.”
On Wednesday the team – comprised of STAR Group officers, search co-ordinators, Port Pirie CIB detectives and officers from State Tactical Response Group - split into three different search units.
The two primary search teams, who work independently, were equipped with specialist camera equipment that can be lowered deep into wells and shafts.
One of the cameras has the ability to provide vision under water.
The third team investigated other areas on the 410sq km property.
The searches are expected to continue for two to three days.
An ambulance crew is on standby.
“Due to the risks posed by the ruggedness and remoteness of the terrain, a SAAS Special Operations Team crew is on standby,” a statement read.
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