Missing walker - Mt Solitary

[flatfoot]

Blue Mountains Police Rescue just put the following message up on Facebook:

Blue Mountains Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this person. Daniel KUKEC, aged 37 years from New Zealand, attended Katoomba Police Station on Thursday 28th March, where he registered his intention to bushwalk on Mt Solitary. He borrowed a PLB. He was expected to return by Saturday 30th March. When he did not return on time, rescue officers were advised and investigations commenced. It has been confirmed that he was seen on Mt Solitary on Thursday afternoon, setting up camp. It is possible he continued towards the Kedumba Valley on Friday, or he may have returned back to Katoomba via Ruined Castle. Anyone, partcularly those who were bushwalking in the Blue Mtns over the weekend, who believe they saw Daniel, are urged to contact Katomba Police Station on 47828199 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Search Operations will recommence tomorrow.

[FatCanyoner]

He was located safe and well. He'd simply forgotten to return to the police station and hand the PLB back in.

[DaveNoble]

He was located safe and well. He'd simply forgotten to return to the police station and hand the PLB back in.

Or perhaps he did hand in the PLB, but not sigh out from the walk? Its not clear from the Police Rescue Facebook page. On a busy day - it can be easy to neglect to fill in a bit of paperwork at the police station.

Dave

[FatCanyoner]

According to Police: "Mr KUKEC had failed to notify police of his return from his bushwalk".

They then continue with: "Police would like to remind the public that the TREK program (trek.nsw.gov.au) is provided as a free service to those undertaking outdoor activities in the Blue Mountains. Whilst the service provides valuable assistance to police and public, in those cases where there is a genuine concern for welfare, failure to adhere to the guidelines/conditions can lead to unnecessary investigations and search activities."

Sounds like a pretty thinly veiled dig at this bloke. My reading what they wrote is that he failed to return to the station, rather than that they'd stuffed up the admin...

[kjbeath]

Police are usually very thorough with paperwork, they do lots of it. Also would assume that they have identifying numbers for the PLB so would check if it had been returned.