Friends and family of a missing Sampson man have demanded to know why police took so long to launch a search for the 37-year-old mine worker.
They say critical time was lost between Sean David Mitchell going missing on Friday night and his backpack washing up in the Swan River near Blackwall Reach in Bicton on Sunday.
Nephew Rikki Kiley told Channel Nine News that a search should have begun straight away.
"Time is of the essence, whether water is involved or not, because that's when people most remember their last interaction even it's a passersby," he said.
"I understand police only have a certain level of resources, but If you have to wait 72 hours – isn't that the most crucial time?"
Close friend Renee San Martin urged any witnesses to come forward.
"We're just hoping if someone saw him or recognised whoever he was with, please - contact us or the police," she said.
Police launched a land, air and sea search around the Swan River on Tuesday for the WA man who last seen drinking with friends at the Belgian Beer Cafe on Friday night.
Police believe he boarded a bus or train with his Smartrider card around 9pm on Friday near Murray Street in Perth's CBD but never tagged off.
He then called a friend around 10pm and spoke to her about plans to sleep on a friend's yacht in Mosman Park.
Water conditions on Friday night were rough, with a severe weather warning issued for early Saturday morning.
A member of the public notified police on Tuesday that he had found the 37-year-old's bag with some of his belongings on Sunday in the Swan River at Blackwall Reach - sparking the search for the man.
On Wednesday, Palmyra police acting senior sergeant Shane Markham said police were conducting tests to see if the bag could have drifted from another location.
"Police divers have now checked two locations," he said.
Mr Mitchell is described as being fair-skinned with a medium build, short red hair and blue eyes.
Anyone who saw Mr Mitchell on Friday night or can assist police in their search is asked to call police on 131 444.
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