WA Police call off search for 46-year-old Darko Prlenda, missing from Kalbarri, following five-day operation

The search for a missing adventurer who was last seen at a Kalbarri lookout almost a week ago has been suspended after police were unable to locate him following a five-day search.

Darko Prlenda, a 46-year-old man from Perth, was last seen at the Natural Bridge lookout before he went missing. He was reported missing on Saturday after having not been seen for two days, and his hire car and personal belongings at the caravan park he was staying remaining untouched.

On Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed the land search for Mr Prlenda had been suspended, pending any new information received. The sea search had already been called off.

Police will continue to make inquiries in relation to his whereabouts and welfare.

Mr Prlenda, an adventurer who had previously climbed to Mount Everest’s base camp, checked into the Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park on Thursday, October 27. He was due to leave Kalbarri this week.

On Monday, Kalbarri State Emergency Services local manager Steve Cable said emergency services were heavy on the ground during the search on Saturday and Sunday, with nine crews searching from Red Bluff point to Eagle Gorge over Saturday and Sunday.

A bag attached to a rope at the bottom of a cliff, which was 15-20m away from the ocean, was found by rangers and handed over to police. It was the biggest potential clue leading to Mr Prlenda’s whereabouts, and although police refused to confirm the items belonged to the missing man they said they were part of the investigation.

The SES stood down from the search on Sunday night.

This week, Kalbarri police have been conducting air searches via drone and vehicle patrols to no avail.

Earlier in the week, Mid West-Gascoyne District Inspector Jayd Morawski said Mr Prlenda was capable and experienced in remote wilderness areas, but officers remained concerned. He refused to comment on Mr Prlenda’s mental health, but confirmed he was physically fit and healthy.

He said they were maintaining contact with Mr Prlenda’s family.

Anyone who sights Mr Prlenda or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.