A multi-agency search for James Ballantyne, an 87-year-old man living with dementia, has been scaled back six days after he failed to return from his morning walk near Leonora Street in Wagin, about 230 kilometres south-east of Perth.

The extensive search involved land and air operations, including police using drones, a helicopter, and a plane. Volunteers, including State Emergency Service (SES) members from Perth and Bunbury, joined police, while Ballantyne's family arranged tracker dogs and a private plane.

Acting Inspector Wasley praised the community's involvement, describing the response as "absolutely amazing," with many residents searching around their homes and providing food and support to the teams. He also stated that police and SES had searched the target area to a "high degree" and would be pulling back external resources.

Mr. Ballantyne is regarded as a beloved member of the Wagin community. His family declined to speak to the media but conveyed their gratitude to everyone involved in the search through Acting Inspector Wasley.

Mr. Kilpatrick expressed that it was "devastating" to have no answers six days into Ballantyne's disappearance.

Sources