MYSTERY DEEPENS: Search Intensifies as ‘Hero’ Victorian Tradie Sud-denly Disappears, Family Makes Emotional Appeal
The family of a missing tradie who disappeared during a day out on the water in rural Victoria has made an emotional plea for public help to find the man who they say is “one of the most caring people you could ever meet”.
Shane Wilson, 53, was reported missing by his friend Paul after he vanished at his favourite camping and fishing spot in Ghin Ghin near Yea on Saturday morning.
Shane Wilson and Melissa Teague. Supplied
Police have since recovered the 53-year-old’s kayak.
His sister Melissa Teague said he had been at the fishing spot only a month earlier and had the time of his life.
“He had gone fishing with his mate Paul before heading out on his own in his kayak,” Teague said.
“Paul heard Shane yell, followed by a splash.
“He immediately ran to where Shane had been, but he was gone.
“Paul called Triple Zero straight away.
“Emergency services, search and rescue volunteers and many others responded immediately.”
Crews will continue to search for the Epping resident on Monday, as his family holds out hope for a miracle.
“Until Shane is found, we are living every day in limbo,” Teague said.
“We are pleading with anyone in the Ghin Ghin, Yea and surrounding areas to please keep an eye out.
“If you’re a local farmer, landowner, fisherman or anyone who knows the area, please check your property, riverbanks and waterways.
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Victorian tradie Shane Wilson loves fishing and the outdoors. Supplied
“Even the smallest piece of information could help.”
Teague said her brother has the biggest heart, loves a laugh, loves his family and adores her two children.
“Shane was a plasterer for more than 30 years and, in our eyes, he was the best in the business,” Teague said.
“But to us, he was so much more than that.
“He was my big brother, my hero, my idol and one of the most caring people you could ever meet.
“He would literally give you the shirt off his back to help someone.”
Teague said the 53-year-old was confident on the water with a passion for fishing and the outdoors.
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Emergency services are searching for Wilson. Supplied
“If he wasn’t working, he was planning his next fishing trip,” she said.
“He had recently discovered kayak fishing and absolutely fell in love with it.
“That kayak wasn’t just a boat to him, it represented everything he loved: freedom, adventure and peace.”
“Shane was adventurous and a bit of a risk-taker, but he was also experienced on the water.
“The newest kayak he bought was slightly smaller and easier to handle.”
The family is desperately seeking answers as the search for the 53-year-old continues.
“Search crews have continued searching every single day, but despite their incredible efforts, Shane still hasn’t been found,” Teague said.
“We cannot thank the emergency services, volunteers and everyone involved enough.
“They have worked tirelessly for our family, and we are so grateful.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Victoria Police.
