WA: Search for Japanese tourist continues as fears increase

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-2004
WA: Search for Japanese tourist continues as fears increase

The search for a 55 year-old Japanese tourist, who's been missing in scorching temperatures
in remote Western Australia since Christmas Day, is continuing.

But fears are growing for his safety.

Volunteers on the ground and in the air are searching for KURAJI TOMITA, who was reported
missing by the management of Mount Augustus Tourist Resort yesterday.

He was last seen at the resort at about 8am on Christmas morning.

Mr TOMITA, who is described as being about 170cms tall and of medium build wearing
long trousers and a short sleeve shirt, left on his own to travel to the nearby rock outcrop.

His hire vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser, was found locked at the base of Mount Augustus yesterday.

A WA police spokesman says due to extreme temperatures in the area over the past two
days, which have reached 40 degrees, Mr TAKITA'S welfare is in grave danger.

AAP RTV tc/ved

KEYWORD: TOURIST (PERTH)

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