A second helicopter has joined the extensive air and land search for missing 23-year-old man, James Browne, in the vicinity of Mount Borradaile and Waidaboonar outstation, approximately 40 kilometres from Oenpelli.

Members from the Territory Response Group, local Police from Oenpelli and Jabiru and volunteers from Northern Territory Emergency Services are utilising helicopters, quad bikes, motorbikes, cars and foot search teams to locate Mr Browne.

A/Superintendent Nathan Finn said Mr Browne was reported missing to Police yesterday morning and was last seen 10:00pm Wednesday night asking for directions at the Mount Borradaile Safari Camp.

“On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Browne left Darwin with two friends with the intention of going hunting near the Waidaboonar outstation overnight,” said A/Superintendent Finn.

“Sometime after passing through Oenpelli and just before dark, Mr Browne was dropped off with a red Suzuki King Quad bike and continued along a few tracks in the area alone.

“During this time his two friends travelling in the car have lost sight of the quad bike and continued to drive around the area in an attempt to listen for the quad engine noise. The men failed to locate Mr Browne and remained at the location overnight due to a flat battery.

“Mr Browne was reported missing to Police at 10:00am yesterday morning and local Police, Rangers and NTES volunteers conducted land and air searches until last light yesterday evening.

“The search commenced again at first light this morning with the assistance of further resources in attempt to locate Mr Browne.”

The search and rescue operation is continuing.