A body was found in central Australia, believed to have been the missing hiker Claire Hawkrich.
Alice Springs resident Clare Hockritch, 46 (right) and Tamara Macbeth-Riley, 52 (left), reportedly disappeared on Nov. 23. Tu Yuan: northern Territory Police
Police Chief Pauline Vicari said the body of a woman was found about 38 kilometers southeast of the Stewart Road House and 8.5 kilometers east of the Stewart Road.
"We think the man was the missing Clare Hockritch," she said.
Rescuers focused on Palmer Valley Station today, and Northern Territory police announced that they had found a body at one o`clock in the afternoon.
`They`re worried about the water, but I still hope she`s alive,` he said.
Hocritch, her companion, Tamara Macbeth-Riley, 52, and Chen Fu, a 40-year-old South Australian man, disappeared after hiking on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 19.
Missing Alice Springs resident Clare Hockritch was found dead: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Hockritch was last seen by Chen Fu two days ago, by the border fence at a station south of Alice Springs, and then separated, and he decided to follow the fence line.
On Tuesday morning, a herdsman found Chen Fu.
Speaking with Hockritch`s family at Alice Springs Police Department on Wednesday, Chen Fu thanked the Northern Territory Emergency Service and Rescue team for their efforts.
"I want everyone to give us a few days to mourn," he said.
Chief Vicari said authorities was still identifying the situation that led to the separation of Hockritch and Chen Fu. "
Maybe it`s because she`s exhausted and can`t move on, "she said."
South Australian man Chen Fu`s first public speech since he was rescued chart source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
One of the triplets, one of her sisters, Sarah Hockritch, said the family was sad and exhausted.
"although Clare died in terrible circumstances, we are still happy that Tamara and Fu are still alive, and we are very grateful to everyone involved," she said.
``My parents, brothers, Melinda and I thank the police in the Northern Territory for their skilled investigation, so that the search area can focus accurately. ``
They haven`t had a day since the whole affair.
Sarah Hockridge also thanked the staff of Stewart Wells Road Shop and the nomads of the Northern Territory.
Sarah Hockritch thanked the police, emergency services and all those involved in the search. Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
"Thank you very much, thank you for your efforts," she said.
"We are really grateful to everyone who supported us during this very difficult period."
Hockritch`s companion, Macbeth Riley, was found late Sunday, December 1, near a puddle east of the Stuart well area south of Alice Springs.
Superintendent Vicari said efforts to find Hocritch were hampered by thick bushes and her continued relocation.
The three men reportedly disappeared on Nov. 23 and police began aerial searches three days later, initially focusing on the area near (Stuarts Well) and (Rainbow Valley), the (Owen Springs.), Stutt well in Irvine Springs, south of Alice Springs.
The body has not yet been officially confirmed, and Northern Territory police say they will prepare a report for the coroner.
