Devastating blow for loved ones of 2GB radio host Roman Butchaski who vanished without a trace in a remote area
The search for a former Sydney radio show host who went missing while fishing in a remote river known for its crocodiles has been suspended.
Police have been searching for ex-2GB presenter Roman Butchaski, 76, in Cape York’s Olive River, far north Queensland, for more than a week.
An extensive land and air search was launched when the popular former fishing show presenter failed to return to his campsite at Bramwell Station on November 12.
He had set out on a solo fishing trip on the river about 900 kilometers north of Cairns.
Earlier this week, radio host Michael Guest (left) said he still hopes Roman Butchaski (right) will be found alive
The remote Olive River where Butchaski disappeared runs for 70 km at the top of Australia’s northern mainland, starting in the Richardson Range before heading towards the pristine coast
Mr. Butchaski had reportedly told friends that he planned to walk along the riverbank and cast lures.
Police confirmed on Wednesday they had suspended the extensive search, which also involved emergency services, SES volunteers and conservationists, along with a helicopter crew.
Police found the car Butchaski was driving near the river last week.
The Department of Environment and Science told ABC that eight conservationists had supported police to ensure the safety of everyone during the search, with Olive River described as ‘known crocodile country’.
Police said Mr Butchaski, known by his nickname ‘Butch’, was an experienced fisherman and had been to Cape York several times.
“He was certainly well prepared for a normal expedition that he apparently has done before,” Senior Sergeant Duane Amos told reporters last week.
He said the prospect of crocodiles in the Olive River area was a “reasonable expectation”.
“That’s something the search and rescue coordinators would take into account,” said Senator Sergeant Amos.
The former radio host’s brother, Oleh Butchaski, said his sibling could be somewhere in the rugged Olive River bushland.
“It’s a semi-tropical rainforest… you can get lost quite easily,” he told Seven News.