A major search operation in northern Tasmania is underway at two locations– one at the North Esk River and another at bushland near Nabowla in the state’s north-east – as investigations into the disappearance of 14-year-old Shyanne-Lee Tatnell continue.
Northern District Commander Kate Chambers said a bushland area of more than 50 square kms was currently being searched in the Nabowla area, with a team of about 160 search and rescue personnel being deployed to the scene.
A specialist cadaver dog from NSW Police is also being used to scour the North Esk River.
“NSW Police dog handler Senior Constable Chris Hill and a five-year-old cadaver detection dog will be taking part in a search of the North Esk River today in the vicinity of where Shyanne-Lee was last seen,” Commander Chambers said.
“Tasmania Police acknowledges our strong partnership with NSW Police, which is only one of two law enforcement jurisdictions in Australia with a cadaver detection capability.”
Commander Chambers said that this was the largest search operation in northern Tasmania to date, involving 20 trained search and rescue personnel, 20 State Emergency Service volunteers, helicopter resources, volunteers on horseback, motorbikes, ATVs, drones and more than 100 Tasmania Police recruits.
Detective Acting Inspector Andrew Hanson said that police were following a specific line of inquiry based on information received.
“Our search efforts this week are as a result of our commitment to locate Shyanne-Lee and act on all information or leads. We are doing everything in our power to make that happen,” he said.
The searches were expected to be ongoing for several days.
Anyone who may have information in relation to Shyanne-Lee’s location or movements is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided anonymously.
Anyone with information that would assist police to locate Shyanne-Lee or determine her movements is asked to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania.
