Missing snowboarders experienced: family
Two missing snowboarders were experienced and well prepared for their trip on Victoria's highest mountain, their families say.
Martin Buckland, 33, from Yarra Junction and Daniel Kerr, 32, from Hawthorn failed to return to Melbourne on Saturday from their snowboarding trip to the Eskdale Spur area of Mount Bogong.
Their families reported them missing on Saturday night and have released their names to the media, saying they hoped with every passing minute they would be found safe, but were not naive to the possibilities.
"Our families want to stress how experienced and prepared Martie and Daniel were for this trip, keenly aware of both the risks and the unpredictable nature the outdoors offer," the statement said.
"Their local knowledge of Mt Bogong and the surrounds, combined with their equipment and experience just adds to the frustration of dealing with their disappearance."
A team of 23 police officers and volunteers searched for the pair on Sunday and will base themselves overnight at Mitchell's Hut, where the pair's abandoned campsite was found on Sunday morning.
They will resume their search on Monday.
The statement, released by Mr Buckland's wife and Mr Kerr's parents, said the pair had been great friends since they met at high school, both worked in sports and recreational professions and "live and breath the outdoors having been on many adventures such as this in the past".
Police believe the men have an emergency position radio beacon but have not activated the alarm.
