Missing Hobart man Andrew Gaskell planned to climb summit, say police

MISSING Tasmanian Andrew Gaskell intended to climb a mountain summit according to an entry in his diary.

Missing Tasmanian man Andrew Gaskell planned to climb a mountain before his disappearance, say police.

MISSING Tasmanian Andrew Gaskell intended to climb a mountain summit according to an entry in his diary, Malaysian police have told the Mercury.

But, they said, he left behind his belongings including a sleeping bag and food the day he embarked on the journey.

Mr Gaskell, who grew up in Hobart, has been in the Malaysian state of Sarawak since early August.

The 25-year-old planned to walk into Mulu National Park on October 18. Family and friends raised the alarm after they could not contact him last week.

Malaysian authorities in Sarawak have launched a search and rescue operation with up to 40 personnel.

Police sniffer dogs were brought in yesterday and will use the scent from Mr Gaskell’s belongings to help find him. Marudi police chief Deputy Superintendent Gabriel Risut said the items were left at a friend’s home in Mulu where he was staying .

He said when the friend woke on October 20, Mr Gaskell had already left, indicating the Australian might have delayed his trip.

Mr Gaskell had written in his diary that he planned to climb the 2377m Mulu summit so it was unusual he had left his gear behind, Mr Risut said.

“If he wanted to go to the park he needs a lot of things he left at the house,” he said.

The search teams are planning on going to Mulu summit but it is a three-day hike to reach it.

“Almost every evening it is raining heavily and it is a problem for us to proceed as we have to stop because of the rocks and other places are wet and slippery,” the police chief said.

Originally published as Missing Hobart man Andrew Gaskell planned to climb summit, say police