Loved ones hold “serious concerns” for a Sydney bushwalker who has been missing for almost two weeks, with a major search still underway.
Seasoned bushwalker Darren Banks, 57, left home for an overnight trip in the Southern Highlands on March 15 and has not been seen or heard from since.
His family raised the alarm when he didn’t return or contact them over the following days, reporting him missing on March 19.
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Police found his car at the Starlight Trail at Wattle Ridge on March 21 and believe he may have been bushwalking toward Ahearn Lookout or Emmetts Flat campground, about an hour south of Campbelltown.
While Banks is an experienced outdoorsman, his limited food supply would only have lasted a few days — not weeks, Detective Inspector Andrew Mackay said.
“Darren loves bushwalking, he’s camping most of his time,” Mackay said.
However, not contacting his family is “out of character”, he added.
“We haven’t been able to locate any sight of him apart from his vehicle,” Mackay said.
“We’re very concerned for his welfare.
“It’s been almost two weeks since anyone’s had any contact with him.”
A widespread search to locate Banks is covering all tracks leading away from his car.
Banks’ phone was left at his home and, while he does have a GPS device on him, Mackay said it cannot communicate with a satellite.
“We’re open to all possibilities,” Mackay said, but clarified the disappearance is not being treated as suspicious.
“The trails are suitable for bushwalking. However, it’s a rugged bushland.
“If you go off the trail then the terrain is very difficult.”
Banks is described as of Caucasian appearance, medium build, about 180cm tall, with short brown hair and beard, and brown eyes.
Anyone who has been in the Starlight Trail area who may have seen Banks, his vehicle or has information in relation to his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.