Human remains are found at the same beach where an elderly kite surfer in his 70s vanished after falling into the water during wild surf
- Human remains found at same beach where elderly kite surfer went missing
- John Laverack vanished near the mouth of the Murchison River in Kalbarri
- The 72-year-old was overpowered by rough conditions at midday on Wednesday
- Authorities were alerted to what is believed to be human remains on Thursday
Human remains have been found in Kalbarri in Western Australia’s Mid West, where police are searching for a missing kite surfer.
John Laverack, 72, was overpowered by treacherous conditions while kite surfing near the mouth of the Murchison River in Kalbarri on Wednesday afternoon.
WA Police on Thursday said the remains were being forensically examined to determine whether they were linked to the missing man.
John Laverack, 72, (pictured) was overpowered by treacherous conditions while kite surfing near the mouth of the Murchison River in Kalbarri on Wednesday
Volunteers involved in the two-day major search operation persevered despite rough conditions, with one rescue vessel almost overturning on two occasions
An aerial and marine search was launched for Mr Laverack on Wednesday after he got into difficulty, despite having decades of experience on the water.
Locals on the shore anxiously watched on as the elderly kite surfer clung to his board waiting for help to arrive.
Police said a volunteer rescue boat arrived at the river-mouth about 12pm on Wednesday, 15 minutes after a beach-goer made the distress call.
A search was initiated, with Marine Rescue, SES volunteers and Polair all working to find the missing man.
Western Australian Police Inspector Dave Hooper said as one volunteer boat ventured toward Mr Laverack, the elderly kite surfer was overpowered by a series of large waves and disappeared.
He said attending officers described the water conditions in the channel as like ‘a washing machine’, 9NEWS reported.
Police divers have now arrived at the Murchison River, with hopes they can join ongoing search efforts on Friday morning
Just before 4pm on Thursday, authorities were alerted to what they believe to be human remains in the storm-churned waters
Volunteers involved in the two-day major search operation persevered despite the rough conditions, with one rescue vessel almost overturning on two occasions.
‘Search activity in the area is continuing, pending the results of the forensic examination,’ WA Police said in a statement.
A storm warning for the area had passed by the following day, however the area continued to be battered by strong winds and currents.
Just before 4pm on Thursday, authorities were alerted to what they believe to be human remains in the storm-churned waters.
The human remains have been made a top priority for police, who have arranged for a helicopter to transport the evidence to a forensics team in Perth for analysis.
John Laverack’s family have been advised of the update, with hopes they can receive some definitive answers on the state of their loved one in the next 48 hours.
Police will continue to search the Kalbarri waters until results come back.
The area at the mouth of the Murchison River in Kalbarri, in the Mid West region of Western Australia, (pictured) is known for dangerous sea conditions