As the search for 26-year-old Gach enters its third day near Alice Springs, concerns are mounting amid the harsh sub-zero temperatures sweeping through the Northern Territory. Gach, who was last seen leaving his home around 3:30 PM on Monday, July 28, 2025, has not been heard from since, sparking an intensive search operation that has covered more than 500 square kilometers of challenging terrain.
The young man last spoke to his family on the phone around 5:30 PM the same day but failed to show up for his rostered shift that night. His red Mazda CX5, bearing Northern Territory registration CG05CH, was discovered by police early Tuesday morning, July 29, on Larapinta Drive, approximately 14.5 kilometers west of John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve. This discovery intensified the search efforts as authorities feared for Gach's safety in the unforgiving outback conditions.
Gach is described as a six-foot-tall man of Sudanese appearance with a lean build and short curly hair. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing either a red or orange puffer jacket, cream-colored tracksuit pants, and dark runners. Police have been urging anyone who might have seen him or his vehicle in the vicinity of Larapinta Drive, Standley Chasm, or Simpsons Gap on Monday evening to come forward with any information.
Leading the search, the Northern Territory Police Search and Rescue Section has coordinated an extensive operation involving over 50 personnel from various agencies, including local police units, Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Service, and Parks and Wildlife. The operation employs a combination of foot teams, all-terrain vehicles, drones, and helicopter support to comb through the rugged landscape.
Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr, the NT Police Search Coordinator, highlighted the scale and intensity of the search. "Search efforts have been extensive, with significant contributions from local resources," he explained. However, he also expressed growing concern due to the forecasted sub-zero overnight temperatures expected over the coming days, which could severely impact Gach's welfare.
On July 31, 2025, temperatures plunged to minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, with forecasts predicting lows of two degrees Celsius on August 1 and zero degrees on August 2. These frigid conditions add a critical urgency to the search, as exposure to such cold can be life-threatening, especially in remote areas where shelter and assistance are scarce.
Since the search commenced, crews have covered more than 500 square kilometers of difficult terrain, demonstrating the vastness and complexity of the area they are scouring. The terrain west of Alice Springs, including Larapinta Drive and surrounding landmarks such as John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, Standley Chasm, and Simpsons Gap, presents a challenging environment for both searchers and the missing individual.
Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance, particularly anyone who may have been traveling along Larapinta Drive between 5:30 PM on Monday, July 28, and 8:00 AM on Tuesday, July 29. They have requested that any witnesses or those with dashcam footage contact the police on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2500075979.
The community's involvement is crucial, as every piece of information could help locate Gach and ensure his safety. The police's call for public assistance underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation, especially given the increasingly severe weather conditions.
Gach's disappearance has resonated deeply within the Alice Springs community, where the harshness of the outback is well understood. The combination of remote, rugged terrain and plummeting temperatures creates a perilous scenario for anyone lost or stranded. Search teams are working tirelessly, balancing the vast search area with the pressing need to find Gach before the cold worsens.
The search operation's multi-agency approach highlights the collaboration and commitment across Northern Territory emergency services. From ground teams on foot and ATVs to aerial reconnaissance via drones and helicopters, the coordinated effort reflects the urgency and gravity of the situation.
As the days pass, the hope remains that Gach will be found safe and well. The police continue to emphasize the importance of any information that could aid the search, reinforcing their message to the public to come forward.
In the meantime, the community watches and waits, united in concern for a young man who vanished without a trace on a cold winter's day in the heart of Australia's outback.
