Missing man found safe more than 125km from home

A missing Indented Head man with Alzheimer’s disease has been found safe and well after spending the night in his car more than 125km from home.

Police confirmed the 77-year-old was located in Gisborne on Sunday morning. As a precaution, he will be taken to hospital for assessment.

It is understood Michael failed to return home after heading out on Saturday afternoon to refuel his wife’s orange Subaru XV in either Drysdale or Portarlington. When he had not returned by 9pm, his family reported him missing to police.

As news of his disappearance spread, hundreds of people across the Bellarine shared appeals on social media, while many headed out to search local roads and towns where Michael was known to frequent.

In a social media post after he was found, Michael’s daughter, Leah McKay, said he had become disorientated while trying to drive home.

“Dad has been located happy and well after putting us all through a fright,” she wrote.

“He was located in Gisborne after seemingly becoming disorientated and continuing his drive to arrive home.

“He stayed in the car overnight and had it running to keep warm.”

She thanked the community for rallying behind the search effort.

“I can’t thank this very special community enough for helping search and share,” McKay wrote.

“We know we love living here for a reason, and the people make it special.”