A volunteer search team scouring the rugged terrain of northern Tasmania has discovered suspected human remains, marking a potential turning point in the months-long search for missing George Town man Michael Vrankovic.
Mr Vrankovic, 58, was last seen on January 13. Concerns for his safety were first raised on January 21, when a concerned neighbor—who typically spoke with Mr Vrankovic on a daily basis—requested a police welfare check at his residence. When officers arrived at the home, they found the property empty, sparking a massive search operation that spanned several weeks.
From January 23 to March 5, Tasmania Police and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers conducted extensive searches across George Town and the surrounding areas of Low Head, Beechford, and Mt George. Despite their efforts, those initial searches failed to locate any sign of the missing man.
Today, the search was renewed by FOLLO (Find Our Lost Loved Ones), a specialized volunteer group that has gained significant prominence for locating missing individuals in difficult terrain. Shortly after the group began their operation in the area, a member made the discovery and immediately alerted authorities.
Tasmania Police have confirmed the discovery, noting that while the remains are believed to be those of an adult human, forensic confirmation is required. Inspector Melanie Groves addressed the development, emphasizing that the process of identification will be thorough.
“At this stage, a formal identification is yet to be conducted, and that process will take time, which may be several weeks,” Inspector Groves said. “Following today’s discovery, Mr Vrankovic’s family has been notified, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
A report will now be prepared for the coroner as investigators work to confirm the identity of the remains and establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
The FOLLO group has become a critical resource in Tasmanian search and rescue efforts. The organization was established following the successful location of missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer, and they were also responsible for discovering the remains of Scottsdale man Peter Willoughby, who had been missing since October of last year.
The success of these volunteer-led searches has highlighted both the dedication of the community and the significant challenges posed by the dense and sprawling landscapes of northern Tasmania. As the investigation into the latest discovery continues, the focus shifts to providing closure for the Vrankovic family, who have endured weeks of uncertainty since Michael’s disappearance in mid-January.
Authorities have requested that the public respect the privacy of the family as the identification process proceeds.
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