Narooma should witness its biggest search effort ever this weekend when numerous agencies and volunteers join in an expanded search for missing man Ray Speechley in bushland north of Dalmeny.
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The police rescue squad will coordinate the search using local and visiting volunteers from the VRA, RFS and SES, as well as police dogs, motorbikes, horses and a helicopter, searching an expanded area east and west of the highway on Saturday and Sunday.
Mr Speechley’s wife and family however remain frustrated that more searching hasn’t been done up until now and are heartbroken that there’s been no news.
Jan Speechley said she would have liked to have seen the expanded search already happen. And while she doesn’t blame the staff at the retirement village, she would like the system changed to prevent others from escaping.
His daughter Nikii Smith said they just wanted to speak to anyone who saw Ray on the highway or knows where he is. “We are stressing if someone is looking after him that they won't be in any trouble.”
Police as part of National Missing Persons Week are renewing appeals to help locate the 77 year old suffering from Alzheimer’s who went missing from IRT Dalmeny aged care facility after being dropped off for respite. Ray was last seen at IRT Dalmeny on Ruth Place about 4pm on Thursday, July 7.
He is of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, of medium build with grey hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing jeans, a dark jacket with a pyjama top underneath. In addition, a vehicle may have stopped to assist Mr Speechley and police are appealing for the driver to come forward.
Police have been told a person was seen on the Princes Highway near the sawmill, shortly after 4pm leaning into a red/maroon, four-door sedan, similar to a Honda Accord. Anyone with information can contact Bay police on 4472 0099 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.