Search for missing 87-year-old Wagin resident scaled back after six days
Police have reduced the scope of the multi-agency hunt for 87-year-old James Ballantyne, who vanished during a walk in Wagin six days ago.
An extensive search operation for 87-year-old James Ballantyne, who went missing while walking near Leonora Street in Wagin, has been significantly scaled back after six days. The effort, coordinated by police and the State Emergency Service, initially deployed drones, a helicopter, a plane, volunteer trackers and even a private aircraft. Residents of the small Wheatbelt community rallied, providing food, supplies and manpower.
Acting Inspector Craig Wasley said the high-intensity search area had been covered and external assets were returning to Perth. While officials maintain hope of locating Ballantyne, they admit the likelihood of his survival is now minimal. The investigation will continue locally, and police urge anyone with information to come forward.
Why it matters
The story highlights the challenges of locating vulnerable seniors in remote areas and the community response to such emergencies.
In this story
