Missing Bentleigh couple: Otto, Gerda found 400km from home

An elderly Bentleigh couple who went missing earlier this week has been found 400km from home following a string of unusual sightings.

Otto and Gerda have not been seen since Tuesday night. Picture: Supplied

Missing Bentleigh couple Otto and Gerda have been found.

A member of the public spotted the 87 year olds inside their gold Lexus sedan in the township of Woomelang about 8am on April 1.

The pair were last seen leaving a carpark on Kings Way about 6.30pm on March 30 after dining out in Southbank.

About 5pm on March 31, police received information that the couple’s car had been seen bogged near a lake north of Rainbow.

There was also a further sighting of the pair near the Birchip-Sea Lake Rd about 9pm that night.

They were located safely in Woomelang and will be assessed by paramedics.

“We would like to thank both members of the public and the media for their assistance in locating Otto and Gerda,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

It comes after the couple’s distressed daughter made a tearful plea to the public to help track them down.

Sylvie, surname withheld, urged anyone with information about the Bentleigh couple’s disappearance to come forward.

“They’re loving, caring, strong and fiercely independent,” Sylvie told the Herald Sun.

“We love them and we’re very worried.”

Sylvie said her parent’s disappearance is out of character. Mark Stewart

Sylvie said her father, who suffers from a heart condition, was due for a medical appointment on Wednesday morning but failed to show.

The Sandringham woman last heard from her parents during a phone call on Sunday.

Sylvie attempted to phone the couple on Tuesday night to touch base regarding her father’s appointment but the call went unanswered.

Sylvie said her parents had started to show signs of short term memory loss but remained independent and enjoyed going out for dinner most weeks.

She said the couple, who have been retired for 16 years, frequently visited Brighton’s Milano’s Tavern.

“They’re getting old, they’re slowing down … but they enjoy their time at restaurants and the casino once a week and watching the footy,” Sylvie’s husband Chris said.

“Mum and dad if you see this, and anyone who has information … please call the police,” Sylvie said.

Acting Senior Sergeant Rachel Shentzer said Otto is described as 180cm tall with balding white hair, blue eyes and has a medium build.

Gerda is described as approximately 170cm tall with short curly white hair and blue eyes.

Anyone who sights the couple or their vehicle is urged to contact Moorabbin Police Station on 9556 6565.