Police search for father and son missing near Lake Pedder after failing to return from a bushwalk

UPDATED: A FATHER and son lost for two nights at Lake Pedder have been located alive. Tasmania Police say further details will be provided when available.

UPDATED: A FATHER and son lost for two nights in the wilderness at Lake Pedder have been found alive. Tasmania Police say further details will be provided when available.

EARLIER: THE search for a father and son missing in Tasmania’s rugged South-West has resumed as concerns grow for the pair’s safety.

It comes as the Hobart pair, aged 42 and 13, endured their second cold night in the wilderness in the Lake Pedder area..

The father and son were camping at Huon Campground at Scotts Peak and were due back from a bushwalk on Tuesday afternoon. They were reported overdue just before 8pm on Tuesday.

In a short statement issued this morning, Tasmania Police said a helicopter started searching at first light and ground teams were also deployed.

Police and the State Emergency Service have launched a land and air search, which involves both of the state’s rescue helicopters.

Authorities said the pair’s intention was to do day walks in the area but a Parks and Wildlife Service bushwalkers’ log book on Tuesday indicated they were planning to do the Western Arthurs Traverse, which takes several days.

“We have significant concerns for their safety due to the fact they are ill-equipped for the cold and wet conditions and they have little bushwalking experience,” search co-ordinator Sergeant Chris Williams said.

He said the pair’s tent, car and wet weather gear had been found at the Huon Campground.

“We are doing everything we can to locate the father and son as quickly as possible.

“A large-scale land search is under way, involving police and SES land search crews.”

The temperature at Scotts Peak at 9pm yesterday was 2.8C, after a maximum of 7C during the day.