Hopes fading for missing 76-year-old bushwalker James Hugh McLean

Police say hopes of finding a missing bushwalker alive are fading as the search for the man continues in state’s far southwest.

Missing man James Hugh McLean, of Flinders Island, who was planning to return from a bushwalk in the state's South-West on December 13.

POLICE say hopes of finding missing bushwalker James McLean alive are fading as the search for the 76-year-old in state’s far southwest continues.

Police on Wednesday searched tracks leading in and out of the area using the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Mr McLean, of Flinders Island, was reported missing by National Parks and Wildlife Services on December 14 after failing to return from an expected one-month trek.

Missing man James McLean.

He signed a registration book at the Huon Track entrance in the Tahune area on November 13 indicating he planned to walk to Melaleuca and explore some of the surrounding areas before returning on December 13.

Acting Inspector Andrew O’Dwyer said more than 100km of tracks had been covered during the week-long search.

“Sadly, police hold grave fears for Mr McLean,” he said. “Given the length of time he has been missing, the lack of food supplies and the difficulty of the terrain, the hopes of finding Mr McLean alive are fading.

“We remain in close contact with Mr McLean’s family and our thoughts continue to be with them at this difficult time.”

Police would like anyone who may have come across Mr McLean during the walk or who may have seen him since to phone 131 444.

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