Vic: Search continues for missing 80-year-old man

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2001
Vic: Search continues for missing 80-year-old man

MELBOURNE, Dec 20 AAP - The search for an 80-year-old retired farmer missing in Victoria's
hot, dry north-west for almost four days has been scaled back, police said today.

The search for Sophus Vothe (Sophus Vothe), known as Lindsay, entered its fifth day today.

He was reported missing on Sunday afternoon by staff at the aged hostel where he lives
in Red Cliffs, near Mildura.

Mr Vothe was last seen buying fuel for his car at a service station about 3pm (AEDT) Sunday.

Senior-Sergeant Russell Walsh, of Red Cliffs police, said the search had been scaled
back today, but stressed searchers held grave concerns for the retired wheat farmer.

"We are very concerned for his safety," he told AAP.

"It's been very hot up here, it was 35 here yesterday and there is no evidence to suggest
he was carrying a lot of water or rations."

Sen-Sgt Walsh said Mr Vothe enjoyed driving around the Mallee region, but said searchers
and the man's family were unsure where he was headed.

"You've got to keep your mind open, he could have got his car bogged and could not
get it out. He could have met with foul play, he could have driven off into the (nearby)
Sunset Country National Park," he said.

"We just don't know."

Two police vehicles and and workers from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment
and the State Emergency Service are involved in the search.

Searchers are today focusing on creeks and riverbeds in the 80 km by 40 km search area,
which stretches from Red Cliffs west to Werrimull.

Mr Vothe was last seen driving from the service station in his red 1992 Ford Festiva
sedan. The registration number is ESV-470.

AAP ac/gfr/cjh/sb

KEYWORD: SEARCH

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