Outback hunt for missing British backpacker

A BRITISH backpacker has disappeared after he set out on a run in the Australian Outback.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Feb 2013, 17:16 BST

Sam Woodhead was reported missing from a cattle station after he failed to return from a jog two days ago.

Local authorities launched a hunt for Mr Woodhead amid fears he may have lost his way in the hot, isolated region in central Queensland.

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His frantic mother is understood to have urged police to widen the search on the grounds that her son, an experienced long-distance runner, could have travelled some way from his base, near the town of Longreach.

His sister, Rebecca, issued an anxious plea for news on Facebook.

“If anyone hears from my brother please contact me ASAP,” she wrote on Wednesday.

In another posting, she added: “Thanks so much for all your messages regarding Sam.

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“Still no further news but we have the helicopter going out again in the morning, Aus time, and hundreds of people going on a voluntary search party. will keep you all posted.”

Mr Woodhead, reportedly 18-years-old and from Richmond Upon Thames, in Surrey, had been in Australia for eight days before he disappeared on Tuesday afternoon.

The former Brighton College student was reported missing by the owner of Upshot Station, where he was working.

His wallet is understood to have been found at the cattle ranch but there was no sign of his rucksack or running shoes.

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A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are aware that a 
British national has been reported 
missing in Queensland, Aust-
ralia.

“Consular staff in Brisbane are in contact with Australian police who are conducting the search.

“We are providing consular assistance to the family in the UK at this difficult time.”

Temperatures have been around 37C (98.6 Fahrenheit) in the area this week.

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Richard Cairns, headmaster at Brighton College, said: “Sam is an impressively resourceful and determined character and I have every hope that he will be found safe, alive and well.

“Everyone at Brighton College is praying for his safe return and our thoughts are obviously with his parents Peter and Claire and his sister Rebecca at this immensely worrying time.”