Mysterious abandoned tent in Perth’s east linked to Samuel Robert Whitsed who has been missing for two months
A months-long search for a missing Victorian man is now focusing on his hiking spot in Western Australia after an abandoned tent was found east of Perth.
The search for Samuel Robert Whitsed, 27, began more than two months ago in Melbourne, where he was last seen in the suburb of St Albans on February 14.
Until this week, Victoria Police’s search efforts had largely focused on the east coast.
Attention turned to Western Australia on Tuesday after reports emerged that Mr Whitsed was seen walking towards the popular Bibbulmun hiking trail Circuit on the Brookton Highway near the Albany Highway on Saturday, February 18.
The abandoned green tent on the walkway at Canning Hut, which the public began reporting about five weeks ago, is now reportedly linked to the missing man.
The cabin is about an 8-mile walk from Brookton Campground, located just off the Brookton Highway in Helena National Park.
The tent was reported to WA Police in late March, but hikers have reported seeing it as recently as last week.
“I just called the police and the green tent most of us saw at the canning camp belonged to this guy (Whitsed),” read one post in a hiking Facebook group.
Another member reported seeing the tent recently.
“The items were there a week ago but were packed by park staff. I received the package of pistachios! Sorry,” they wrote in one comment.
Mr Whitsed is 170-180 cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair, a beard and moustache, and tattoos on his left arm.
Victoria Police said in February that Mr Whitsed’s family were “concerned for his welfare due to a medical condition”.
He was believed to be carrying camping equipment and planning to stay on Bibbulmun Road.
He was last seen wearing black pants, a red T-shirt or light-colored sweater and slippers.
Anyone who sees him or has any information about his whereabouts or recent movements should contact police immediately on 131 444. A report can also be made to Crime Stoppers. www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
