Fears for missing hiker Niels Becker in Mt Buller
The air wing and SES have been called in to help as the search ramps up for an experienced hiker missing in the Victorian alps, nearly two weeks after he last made contact with his family.
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Fears are growing for missing Melbourne hiker Niels Becker, who has spent more than a week lost in the Victorian high country.
A search party of more than 70 police, SES, DEWLP and Bush Search and Rescue officials are currently scouring bushland near Mt Buller in the hopes of locating the experienced hiker.
The Air Wing has is also searching from the skies.
The search party was dramatically upscaled this morning due to growing concerns about the missing 39-year-old.
The past eight days have been agonising for his friends and family, who believe he was due to finish his five-day hike last Tuesday.
The Hampton man set out for his hike from Upper Jamieson Hut on October 24, almost two weeks ago.
He last texted family from the Valejo Ganther Hut on October 26 saying he intended to head next to Mount Stirling.
His intention was always to reach Mount Stirling however no one knows which route he planned to take to get there.
Mr Becker is a competent hiker who is familiar with the terrain he has disappeared in.
Police believe he was well equipped for his hike but there are huge concerns for his welfare given he has not made contact with anyone for over a week.
The mass search party set out from 7am this morning.
Senior Sergeant Mark Hesse is confident Mr Becker will be found alive.
“We firmly believe we are looking for someone who is alive,” he told the Herald Sun.
“We believe his capability (to survive) is excellent.
“He has tremendous fitness and good bush skills.
“We are still searching and will for some time to come.”
The official search for Mr Becker began last Friday.
Sgt Hesse said a “vast” amount of land had already been covered.
The search will now focus on Mount Howitt, the Alpine Walking Track, Wonnangatta and both sides of the Great Divide.
Mr Becker’s family members are helping in the search.
“They are obviously concerned but are being optimistic,” said Sgt Hesse.
“They are working closely with us and providing the information they can.”
Mr Becker did not set out with a GPS locator, which is recommended for hikers.
However he had hiking pack with food and sleeping gear.
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Police have released an image of Mr Becker in the hope someone may have seen him.
Anyone who sees him is urged to contact Mansfield Police Station on (03) 57775 2555.