Police, SES hunting for clues in baffling search
A SEARCH is expected to resume this morning into the mystery disappearance of a Cairns man almost three weeks ago which has baffled police.
More than 30 SES volunteers spent yesterday scouring around 8sq km of terrain beside the Bruce Highway just north of Fishery Falls for any trace of Daniel William Tewake, 41.
He was last seen on April 7, spotted on CCTV at several businesses in the Edmonton and Gordonvale areas appearing to be making his way south.
His Toyota Corolla was found dumped on the highway just north of Fishery Falls the following day, although he was only reported missing on April 11.
Several drones and two allterrain vehicles were brought in to the search, which took in about 8sq km of bushland and cane fields around where the vehicle was abandoned.
Far North police Detective Acting Inspector Jason Smith said officers were still waiting to learn whether the vehicle had broken down or was deliberately ditched.
He said police were also forensically examining Mr Tewake’s bank records, with his account untouched since the date he disappeared.
He described the New Zealand-born man as an experienced camper, but a loner who “enjoyed his privacy” and said it continued to be very difficult to track down people who knew him or had any idea where he might have been travelling to.
Police are also still yet to rule out foul play.
“At this stage we don’t have any firm leads as to the whereabouts of Mr Tewake and I’m still appealing to the community if they have any information of where he might be, or even his friends and associates, let me know so we can make contact,” he said.
“At this stage we’re unsure of his mental state and what his intentions may have been.”
Detective Acting Insp Smith said Mr Tewake had only moved to Cairns in November last year, having previously lived in various places around Queensland.
It was the manager at the Draper St accommodation house he was living in at Cairns North who first raised the alarm about his disappearance.
Far Northern Region SES director Wayne Coutts said their brief of what to look for during the search was wide.
“It is a very big area that the police want us to look over,” he said.
“(We’re) seeing if there’s anything that might have been his possessions out of his vehicle.
“Any indication that he may have gone camping.”
The search is expected to continue this morning.