Police remain hopeful of finding a Tasmanian teenage girl who went missing more than 10 days ago, but concede the chances are getting “slimmer and slimmer” as time passes.
Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, 14, was last seen near the North Esk River in Launceston on April 30 about 8.30pm.
She was on her way to visit a friend but never arrived and has not made contact with anyone since.
Police and members of the community on Thursday combed a section of the river near a bridge in one of the state’s most resource-intensive searches in recent years.
Tasmania Police Inspector Craig Fox said some items of interest had been recovered.
“We won’t know if they’re connected to Shyanne or not until we’ve done a forensic analysis,” he told reporters.
Police divers will continue searching the river on Friday before a decision will be made about whether to continue efforts, Insp Fox said.
“We’re not going to leave this site until we’re happy we’ve done all we can to locate Shyanne,” he said.
“I’m confident she’s alive until we can prove otherwise.
“Any missing person, we hope (for) the most positive outcome that we can for the family and the community. Everyone wants us to find Shyanne alive.
“(But) we’re practical, we know that the longer this goes on, those chances are getting slimmer and slimmer.”
Several motorists in the area at the time she disappeared have come forward after police released CCTV footage of cars.
Commander Kate Chambers said any piece of information could help. She thanked the public for assisting in the search.
“As a mother and member of the community, I want to find Shyanne,” she said.
“You’re not in any trouble, please come forward and let us know you’re OK.”
Police say there is no indication of foul play.
At the time of her disappearance, Shyanne-Lee was wearing a cream-coloured hooded jumper with dark-coloured writing on the chest and shoulder area, and bike shorts.
She is described as about 160cm tall, with a slim build and blond hair.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
– AAP
