Murray River, Nanga Brook: Search underway for missing man Francis Ernest Nelson in Western Australia

Emergency services have launched a large scale search for a missing man after his canoe and paddle were spotted adrift.

Police are co-ordinating a massive search in Western Australia’s southwest after a man disappeared and a canoe was located floating downstream.

Francis Ernest Nelson, also known as Frank, was last seen leaving a Nanga Brook campsite about 4.30am on Saturday.

Rangers in Lane Poole Reserve, about 100km southeast of Perth, located a canoe and paddle, believed to belong to the 66-year-old, near Bob’s Crossing at 8.50am the same day.

Francis "Frank" Nelson, 66, has been missing since Saturday. Picture: Supplied/ WA Police.

“Mr Nelson’s vehicle has since been located parked nearby on Murray Valley Road, however despite a search of the area Mr Nelson has not been located and serious concerns are held for his safety and welfare,” A WA Police spokesman said.

“Anyone who was in the Nanga Brook area this morning, and who saw Frank or a canoe in the vicinity of ‘Bob’s Crossing’, is asked to call Police on 131 444.”

The search location near Bob’s crossing. Picture: Supplied/ WA Police.

The search resumed on Sunday after no trace of the missing man was located, with drone, water and mounted police officers and SES personnel joining the search.

The location is part of the Dwellingup State Forrest, known for its scenic trails and waterways.

Originally published as Murray River, Nanga Brook: Search underway for missing man Francis Ernest Nelson in Western Australia