A coordinated extensive search for missing 26-year-old Alice Springs man Gach is continuing west of the town ahead of forecasted sub-zero temperatures, three days after he vanished, with more than 50 personnel from police units, emergency services and Parks and Wildlife combing through 500 square kilometres of “challenging terrain”.

Gach was last seen leaving his home on Monday at 3:30pm, but failed to attend a rostered work shift that night, police said.

His red Mazda CX-5 was located by police on Tuesday morning on Larapinta Drive, about 14.5km west of John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve, police said.

Search efforts continue into the disappearance of Alice Springs man.

Gach has been described as a “6-foot-tall male of Sudanese appearance with a lean build, short, curly hair and was last seen wearing a red or orange puffer jacket, cream-coloured tracksuit pants and dark-coloured runners”.

“Search efforts have been extensive, with significant contributions from local resources,” search coordinator and Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr said.

“These efforts will continue into day three. However, forecasted sub-zero overnight temperatures over the coming days are increasing our concerns for Gach’s welfare.”

The search effort approximately 21kms west of Alice Springs, has involved foot teams, all-terrain vehicles, drones and helicopters, with the police saying they have already covered more than 500sq kms.

Anyone with information that may assist the search is being asked to contact police. Anyone who may have seen Gach in the vicinity of Larapinta Drive, Standley Chasm or Simpsons Gap on the evening of Monday July 28, is also being asked to call police on 131 444.