Shyanne-Lee Tatnell missing in Launceston, Tasmania
Desperate search continues for a 14-year-old girl who disappeared without a trace 12 days ago: the chances of finding her alive are getting smaller
Police have made another plea in their desperate search for a 14-year-old Tasmanian girl who has been missing for nearly two weeks, with a lead investigator admitting the odds of finding her alive are getting ‘lower’.
Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was last seen at about 8:30pm on Sunday, April 30 near the North Esk River on Henry St in Launceston.
Police believe she was wearing a cream colored hoodie with dark writing on the chest and shoulders and cycling shorts.
The teenager is described as being about 160 cm tall, with a slim build and blond hair.
Detective Inspector Craig Fox said on Thursday that although police suspected no ‘malicious intent’, they were investigating all avenues.
Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was last seen on Sunday, April 30. Photo: Tasmanian Police
Police have released images of the road where the 14-year-old was last seen. Photo: Tasmania Police Department
“I’m convinced she’s alive until we can prove otherwise,” he said.
“Everyone wants us to find Cheyenne alive. We have a practical attitude, we know that the longer this takes, the fewer the chances.’
Although Shyanne-Lee hasn’t been in touch since she was reported missing 11 days ago, police tried to contact the teen in case she was listening.
“We’re not leaving here until we’re satisfied that we’ve done everything we can until Cheyenne is found,” he said.
Fellow police officer Commander Kate Chambers also asked the teenager to come forward.
“I want to find Cheyenne, just like everyone here today and every member of our community,” Commander Chambers said.
“Cheyenne can hear me, please, you’re not in trouble, please come forward. And let us know you’re okay.”
The large-scale search carried out extensive research on both banks of the river and on the surrounding private property.
Inspector Fox promised to continue the search on Friday.
“We have some more dives planned and some special gear to keep using, so that will continue tomorrow,” he said.
“After that, we will make a decision through the hierarchy about whether to continue the search.”
Inspector Fox said on Wednesday that just “a small piece of information” could help police find her.
He made a specific appeal to ‘anyone who drove a vehicle on Henry St near the North Esk River between 8 and 9 p.m. on Sunday’.
“If you are currently driving through this location in either direction, please contact the police.”