Family speak as NT Police continue search for 26-year-old Gach Top in Alice Springs
NT Police have entered day four in the search for a young Alice Springs father – as subzero temperatures raise further concerns for his welfare. READ THE LATEST.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Latest, August 1: The family of a man missing in the Red Centre have spoken out, as the police search for the young dad enters day four.
With temperatures again dropping overnight, NT Police – assisted by NT Parks and Wildlife, NT Fire and Emergency Services and police from the Top End – have continued their search for 26-year-old Gach Top.
Mr Top is from South Sudan, and late Thursday afternoon, his dad David Kong and family were at the police command post on Larapinta Drive, 20km west of Alice Springs, where Mr Top’s car was discovered.
Mr Kong said his son has recently become a father, and loved hiking at Simpsons Gap.
“He’s a very caring young man,” Mr Kong said.
“We just thank the Emergency search and rescue team for their effort and we hope the public can help to provide information to them.”
After talking with media, Mr Kong and Mr Top’s partner was observed getting in a police helicopter before it flew off, so they could see the search area from above.
NT Police forward commander Matt Hall said roughly 502 sqkm have been searched so far, with the search again resuming on Friday.
“The search efforts throughout the day have continued using various assets, foot patrols throughout the scrub, ATV and the use of a helicopter with air observers on top of that,” he said.
“Unfortunately today we haven’t located anything interest or anything that is going to change the way or the patterns that we are searching.”
Sergeant Hall said an extensive police operation is underway to find Mr Top, with witnesses being interviewed as search teams continue looking.
A challenger jet from Cairns also flew in to assist in the search, Sgt Hall said.
Mr Top is described as roughly 6ft tall, with a lean build, short curly hair, and was last seen wearing cream coloured tracksuit pants, dark running shoes, and either a red or orange puffer jacket.
His car was found on Monday, after he was reported missing.
Those with information is urged to contact police on 131 444.
Extensive search operation for man missing for three days
Update, 11.20am July 31: NT Police continues to hold concerns for a 26-year-old man who has not been seen or heard from in the past three days since leaving his home in Alice Springs.
Gach is described as a 6ft man of Sundanese appearance with a lean build, short curly hair and last seen wearing a red or orange puffer jacket, cream coloured tracksuit pants and dark runners.
He last spoke to his family about 5.30pm on Monday on the phone, but did not turn up to his shift at work that night with further concern spreading when his car was found the following day.
The NT Police Search and Rescue Section is leading an intensive search operation, now into its third day 21km west of Alice Springs.
The operation includes more than 50 personnel, including members from local police units and partner agencies such as Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Service, and Parks and Wildlife.
The co-ordinated search effort includes foot teams, ATVS, drones, and helicopter support, with more than 500 sqkm of terrain already covered.
Search co-ordinator Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr said search efforts had been extensive and included significant contributions from local resources.
“These efforts will continue into day three. However, forecasted subzero overnight temperatures over the coming days are increasing our concerns for Gach’s welfare,” he said.
Police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist search efforts.
Anyone who may have seen Gach in the vicinity of Larapinta Drive, Standley Chasm or Simpsons Gap on Monday evening, or who has any knowledge of his current whereabouts, is urged to contact police on 131 444.
Police searching for man, 26, after finding abandoned car
Initial 3pm, July 29: NT Police hold concerns for a young man who was last seen leaving his home but failed to make it to his rostered shift that night.
Gach, 26, left his Alice Springs home about 3.30pm on Monday and last spoke to his family about 5.30pm that same day.
However, he failed to make it to rostered shift that night.
He was driving his red Mazda CX5 with NT registration CG05CH, which police found on Tuesday morning 14.5km west of John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve on Larapinta Drive.
Gach is described as being of Sudanese appearance, with dark skin and a slim build and was last seen wearing cream tracksuit pants, a black T-shirt and black shoes.
Police urge anyone who may have been travelling along Larapinta Drive between 5:30pm Monday and 8am Tuesday that may have seen Gach or his vehicle, or has dashcam footage, to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2500075979.
More Coverage
Originally published as Family speak as NT Police continue search for 26-year-old Gach Top in Alice Springs
‘Not an idle threat’: One in 5 NT childcare centres could shut under new laws
One in five Territory childcare centres not ‘up to scratch’ could be shut down under new laws passed by federal parliament. SEE THE FULL LIST.
From despair to racetrack glory: How jockey got back on the saddle
A journeyman jockey can complete one of racing’s biggest redemption stories as he continues to transform his life from party boy to a career driven jockey who has overcome alcohol addiction.