The disappearance of 73-year-old Patricia Ewens has sparked an intensive search operation across Adelaide, as detectives piece together a puzzling timeline that spans from the heart of the CBD to the coastal suburbs.

Patricia, a resident of Port Pirie, traveled to Adelaide via a Stateliner bus on February 18. While her initial arrival appeared routine, her subsequent movements have raised significant concern among both her family and the South Australia Police (SAPOL).

The Last Known Movements

CCTV footage remains the most critical lead in the investigation. Patricia was last captured on camera on Grote Street, near the Adelaide Central Market, around lunchtime on Tuesday, February 18. At the time, she was described as wearing a black puffer jacket, black pants, black boots, and carrying a distinctive black bag emblazoned with the words ‘I love Salvos.’

The mystery deepened the following day when a member of the public discovered her purse on Gladstone Road in North Brighton. The location of the find is roughly 12 kilometers away from where she was last seen on Grote Street, suggesting she may have utilized public transport or a rideshare service to travel toward the coast.

A High-Priority Search

Police have been ramping up their presence in the North Brighton area, conducting door-to-door inquiries and reviewing private security footage. Despite the discovery of her purse—a red flag in most missing person cases—detectives have maintained a measured tone regarding the nature of her disappearance.

In a recent briefing, authorities stated:

“At this stage, detectives do not believe that she has met with foul play, and there is nothing to suggest any physical or mental incapacity.”

This assessment suggests that while Patricia is considered a high-risk missing person due to the duration of her absence, there are no immediate signs of a struggle or a medical episode. However, the lack of contact with family and the abandonment of her belongings continue to fuel urgency.

Public Appeal for Information

Patricia Ewens is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a slim build and shoulder-length grey hair.

SAPOL is urging anyone who may have seen a woman matching this description—particularly anyone who may have been on a bus or train heading toward the Brighton area on the afternoon of February 18—to come forward. Local residents in North Brighton are also asked to check their dashcam footage or backyard sheds.

As the search enters a critical phase, the focus remains on the “Salvos” bag and the puffer jacket, which are highly recognizable markers. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.