Missing Victorian man John Bakkum, 85, found alive down embankment in Mitta Mitta, northeast Victoria

An elderly man who mysteriously vanished after leaving a pub with his wife has been found alive almost two days later.

Jacobus “John” Bakkum, 85, left the Harrietville Hotel in Victoria’s High Country with his wife about 8pm on Sunday following their regular weekly meal at the venue.

His wife usually walks the 500m home while he drives, but while she arrived at their house a short time later, her husband did not.

Bakkum was driving the couple’s 2007 silver Toyota Prado, sparking a major search amid concerns for his welfare due to his age and the unusual circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

His car was spotted on the Great Alpine Rd near Dinner Plain just after 9pm. Forty-five minutes later, it was seen in Omeo, about 85km from his home.

The 85-year-old and his vehicle were eventually found by a passerby about 11.30am on Tuesday, down an embankment just off the Omeo Highway in Mitta Mitta.

Police said the Prado appeared to have been involved in a single-vehicle crash.

Bakkum was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to be reunited with his family.

“Police would like to thank media and the public for their assistance,” Victoria Police said.