Whitsundays man Joel Pringle still missing after four days

A Whitsundays father of two missing since August 19 was last detected in a nearby national park. Police and his family have put out an appeal for information. HAVE YOU SEEN JOEL?

Whitsundays father of two Joel Pringle went missing in the Conway National Park on August 19. Photo: Facebook

A call for information has gone out after a father of two disappeared in the Whitsundays four days ago.

Joel Pringle was last seen about 4.30pm on Monday, August 19, at a residence on Waite Creek Crt, Cannonvale.

Since then the only hint of his whereabouts was a signal from his phone in the Conway National Park and Mount Julian area.

Mr Pringle’s vehicle, a Holden Crewman ute with metal tray is also missing and believed to be with him. Photo: Facebook

The signal was last detected at 6am, August 20 and police believe he still has his 2007 white Holden Crewman ute with QLD registration 403KA2.

Acting Inspector Mitch Benson said police had conducted foot searched in the Cannonvale and Mount Julian area since being alerted to his disappearance.

Acting Inspector Mitch Benson said that police are receiving assistance for the CQ helicopter and the SES in their search for Mr Pringle. Photo: Fergus Gregg

“We have allocated a significant amount of local policing resources,” Acting Inspector Benson said.

“We had the CQ helicopter give us some assistance with aerial searches and the SES have come to assist us which we’re grateful for.”

Acting Inspector Benson asked the public to contact them if they’ve seen Mr Pringles or his “fairly distinctive” car.

“The car that he normally has isn’t at his residence,” Acting Inspector Benson said.

“We suspect that it is with him or nearby where he has gone.

“That’s a key element for us.”

Mitch’s family have asked him to “please come home”. Photo: Facebook

His family are very concerned for his whereabouts as the disappearance is “out of character” for Mr Pringle.

While police are uncertain if Mr Pringle is still in the Whitsundays, they remain focused on the Cannonvale and Mount Julian areas and are not considering a marine search, despite him owning a yacht.

“At this stage the water isn’t a concern for us,” Acting Inspector Benson said.

Although Mr Pringle owns a yacht, the water is not a concern for police and no marine search has been organised. Photo: Facebook

Police are not treating the investigation as suspicious at this point in time and remain in “constant contact” with Mr Pringle’s family as the search continues.

Have you seen Joel Pringle? Please contact police.

“We’re asking for information from the days leading up to the disappearance,” Acting Inspector Benson said.

“They may have seen him at a local store or bakery.
“Hopefully the pictures that we’ve released today will just trigger someone’s memory.”

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.