Police search Fraser Island for missing elderly bushwalker

An elderly bushwalker missing on Fraser Island sent a text message for help hours after being separated from her group, it has been revealed.

An extensive air and sea search for a missing woman aged in her 70s this morning resumed at first light, after authorities were notified the woman had been separated from her walking group late yesterday afternoon.

The 73-year-old woman, who was with an experienced group of bushwalkers, was reported missing from the Fraser Island Great Walk after she became separated from the others.

According to police, the woman has previous trail walking experience and has no prior medical history.

This morning, police along with several other emergency agencies were searching the air, water and land to locate the woman.

Three rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are also assisting with the search in a region known as Valley of the Giants.

Police said the woman had sufficient clothing and food with her at the time of her disappearance.

The missing 73-year-old woman sent a text for help hours after she was separated from her group of fellow hikers.

According to Acting Patrol Inspector Brook Flood, who is leading the extensive investigation to locate the missing woman, a text was sent around 7.30pm yesterday, however there has been no communication from the woman since.

“There was communication about 7.30pm last night, unfortunately her mobile phone is thought to be flat at this stage,” Insp Flood said.

“We did receive that initial text, however we believe unfortunately the battery has not been active (since).”

The RACQ LifeFlight rescue helicopter has been conducting low-range sweeps over the dense scrub area today, while SES workers and police have been using trail bikes to navigate the bushland.

Insp Flood said several rangers from National Parks and Wildlife who are “quite skilled and familiar” with the island have also been assisting, as well as the group of three other hikers who were with the woman at the time of her disappearance.

It is expected the island may receive light rain later on this afternoon, however Insp Flood said she was not concerned it would disrupt the investigation, or create any significant danger for the missing woman.

“Rain provides water which is essential,” she said.

“The weather conditions aren’t something we’re concerned about at this stage.”

Asked whether the woman’s age could impact the outcome of the search or the likelihood of survival, Insp Flood said police were far off drawing any conclusions.

“We will continue searching until we are absolutely sure there are no other options, but we’re not even thinking that at this stage,” she said.

“We’re aware of no medical conditions and we believe she’s in good health.

“The better health somebody has, the better chance of surviving for any period in these sorts of conditions in these circumstances.”

The search for the woman was expected to continue for several more hours today.

She went missing just hours after a fisherman was attacked by a shark off the island.

It is understood the man was on a fishing vessel 35km off the eastern side of Fraser about 3.35pm on Thursday, when he caught what is believed to have been a whitetip shark.

The man told rescuers he was attempting to unhook the animal from his fishing line when it attacked his arm.

He sustained significant hand injuries and was flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a stable condition.

Sunshine Coast spear fisherman Matthew Tratt was killed in a shark attack off Fraser Island in July.