Missing 61-year-old German tourist in Vorarlberg: Police searching with description

Police emphasise that the search is particularly urgent because the missing man is dependent on the regular intake of medication. Without these medications, there is a health risk in the assessment of the emergency services.

Why the search is considered urgent

Deployed are forces from the Kleinwalsertal police inspectorate, supported by emergency services from neighbouring Oberstdorf on the German side. The Kleinwalsertal is an Austrian enclave that is only accessible via German territory; this cross-border cooperation is common during search operations in the region.

The Ifen cable car, a central point of contact for hikers in the area around the Hoher Ifen, is considered one of the areas in which the man may have been last seen. Cable car operators and hut hosts have been asked to watch out for possible clues.

Search area around the Hoher Ifen

Police are asking hikers, locals and visitors who were out and about in the Kleinwalsertal during the period in question, particularly around Hirschegg and the Hoher Ifen, to report their observations. People who encountered the missing man on the day of his disappearance and have not yet provided any information are also asked to come forward.

The Kleinwalsertal police inspectorate is accepting tips. During ongoing search operations in alpine terrain, Austrian and German emergency services work closely together, not least because the Kleinwalsertal belongs to Vorarlberg but can only be reached via German Oberstdorf.

Police published the description of the missing man with the listed characteristics – height, weight, build, skin, hair and eye colour, glasses – and explicitly pointed out that details about his clothing are currently missing. The clothing is therefore part of the ongoing investigation.

Tips to the police inspectorate

According to police, the search is being continued with great urgency. Due to the acute need for medication, time is a decisive factor, the operations management said. Mountain rescue and other rescue services are involved in the search according to Krone Multimedia reports.

The case also triggered discussions in user posts pointing to the need for good preparation when hiking in high-alpine terrain. Police simultaneously renewed their appeal to report suspicious observations immediately.

With regard to the weather and the altitude in the area around the Hoher Ifen, the emergency services pointed out that conditions for an alpine search operation are demanding. The Kleinwalsertal police inspectorate intends to continue providing information on the current status of the search measures.