The Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) has suspended a nine day multi-agency land search for a missing 31-year-old in remote East Arnhem following extensive operations.
On Friday 22 May 2026, police received a report from his family that he had not returned to Yirrkala as planned and had not been seen since 6am that morning.
His vehicle has since been located around 86km south of Nhulunbuy along the Central Arnhem Highway.
There is currently no evidence of suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement.
Search operations were conducted over nine days in remote and challenging terrain south of Nhulunbuy using helicopters, ground search teams, ATVs, vehicles and thermal drones.
NTPF Search and Rescue members, local police, NT Emergency Service, NT Fire and Rescue Service, Dhimurru Rangers, Yirralka Rangers, NORFORCE and Nautilus Helicopters were all mobilised.
Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Hall said, "Our teams covered approximately 1,311km² of terrain, the majority by helicopter, with key areas searched multiple times.
"We began demobilisation of the search yesterday, with extensive investigative enquiries surrounding the missing person undertaken, with no confirmed sightings or evidence of his location identified.
"Family liaison was maintained throughout the operation, with the next of kin regularly briefed on search progress and SAR decision-making processes.
"Police would also like to acknowledge and thank Parks Australia, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Rio Tinto, community volunteers, chartered aviation companies, Miwatj Aboriginal Corporation and Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation for their assistance during the search.
"Investigations into the disappearance remain ongoing and police will assess any new information received and will consider recommencing search operations should credible information come to light."
