Darko Prlenda: Police drone, land search continues for Perth adventurer missing in Kalbarri

A desperate search for a missing Perth adventurer in Kalbarri was continuing on Tuesday, with the biggest clue so far being the discovery of a bag attached to a rope at the bottom of a cliff.

Kalbarri police will continue to deploy ground patrols and drones while attempting to locate 46-year-old Perth man Darko Prlenda, who went missing four days earlier.

It is believed Mr Prlenda was last seen at the Natural Bridge lookout on Thursday night.

Owners at Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park, where Mr Prlenda had been staying, reported him missing on Saturday after he had not been seen for two days. His hire car and belongings remained at the caravan park.

On Monday, Kalbarri State Emergency Services local manager Steve Cable said during their two-day search, nine crews searched from Red Bluff point to Eagle Gorge, finding only a bag attached to a rope at the bottom of a cliff about 15-20 metres away from the ocean.

“The rangers found a rope with a bag hanging over the cliff face. We went out to search for it, raised the bag and left that for police,” he said.

Mr Cable said two air spotters were sent around 4pm on Sunday to search the cliff faces and searched until 7.30pm.

“The crew were stood down for the night and police decided they would use drones,” he said.

“They knew he was in the caravan park and because of the circumstances at the caravan park they became concerned.”

On Monday, Mid West-Gascoyne District Inspector Jayd Morawski said police were actively engaged in both land and marine searches in the Natural Bridge area.

“We’re unsure at this point in time as to why he’s gone to the Natural Bridge area but we are confident that was the last place he was sighted,” he said.

Police would not confirm the bag belonged to Mr Prlenda, but noted it was relevant to their investigation.

Insp. Morawski said police had notified Mr Prlenda’s family on Saturday and have maintained “significant” contact with them.

“They’ve given us a lot of information around his capabilities and experience in remote wilderness areas but obviously, they are concerned as well. There hasn’t been any contact from Mr Prlenda since Thursday evening. So they do share some concerns,” he said.

Insp. Morawski refused to comment on Mr Prlenda’s mental health, but said the 46-year-old was physically fit and healthy.

Mr Prlenda is believed to be an experienced adventurer and climbed to the base camp at Mount Everest in 2019. At the time, he worked for mining company Minprovise.

A family staying at the Red Bluff Caravan Park said they became aware of Mr Prlenda’s unknown whereabouts when they checked into reception.

“I was at reception when the police were here, so I obviously heard about it and then we saw a helicopter at about 2am,” one woman said.

“It’s just not a nice feeling when you see or hear something like that,” another said.

The women said they heard he had went for a walk towards the gorges and did not return.

Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park declined to comment.

Anyone who sees Mr Prlenda, or anyone with information regarding his recent movements in the Kalbarri area, is asked to call police on 131 444.