59-year-old Barry Kantilla found safe on Tiwi Islands

‘Fantastic result’: A missing man has been found safe and well on the Tiwi Islands, after an extensive search effort battling challenging conditions.

Helicopter flight path. Barry Kantilla has been found safe and well after a major search effort on the Tiwi Islands. Picture: NT Police.

A man missing on the Tiwi Islands has been found safe and well, after an extensive search effort battling thick pandanus, crocs and snakes.

Barry Kantilla, 59, went missing near Tarntipi Bush Camp on Bathurst Island on Tuesday.

Police received reports he had failed to return from a trip into the bush with a group who were collecting wood for carving at a local art centre in Wurrumiyanga.

Wood carvings. Barry Kantilla has been found safe and well after a major search effort on the Tiwi Islands. Picture: NT Police.

A major search operation was launched with 22 community and family members and 15 police and Aboriginal Liaison Officers from Wurrumiyanga, Milikapiti, Pirlingimpi and the Specialist Response Division, including the Search and Rescue Section and the Territory Response Group.

Northern Territory Emergency Service volunteers also remained on standby.

Community brief. Barry Kantilla has been found safe and well after a major search effort on the Tiwi Islands. Picture: NT Police.

Search teams deployed both over land and in the skies, with Mr Kantilla found within the 85 sqkm search radius on Thursday morning.

He was airlifted back to Wurrumiyanga and received treatment at the local clinic for exposure.

Barry Kantilla has been found safe and well after a major search effort on the Tiwi Islands. Picture: NT Police.

Superintendent Jak Evans said it was a “fantastic result” that highlighted the incredible collaboration between the community and police over the past two days.

“The search area consisted predominantly of light to dense scrubland with pandanis, gum trees and 20m tall thick grassy areas,” he said.

“Not only that, the area is populated by an array of dangerous animals including crocodiles and snakes.

“Police conducted detailed briefings with the community, whose extensive knowledge of the area and the co-ordinated search effort has allowed us to effectively cover a large area, which has resulted in this terrific outcome.

“I would like to commend everyone involved in this search, your tireless work has bought Barry back home safely.”

Police search for 59-year-old man missing near bush camp

March 5, 5pm: Northern Territory police are searching for 59-year-old Barry Kantilla who went missing near Tarntipi Bush Camp on Bathurst Island on Tuesday.

Mr Kantilla was travelling with a group who were collecting wood for carving at a local art centre in Wurrumiyanga.

However, he was reported missing when he did not return about 3pm.

Police hold concerns due to his medical conditions.

Mr Kantilla is a man of Aboriginal appearance with a slight build, who was last seen wearing a grey shirt, blue shorts and tan coloured boots.

Local members continued searching overnight while resourcing from the Search and Rescue Section was deployed to co-ordinate further resources, including aerial and land based assets.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of the man police urge you to contact 131 444.

Originally published as 59-year-old Barry Kantilla found safe on Tiwi Islands