British backpacker, 20, missing in shark-infested waters in Australia – as search party is scaled back
Hugo Palmer and French national Erwan Ferrieux, both 20, have not been seen since their belongings were found on Shelly Beach, near Port Macquarie, on Monday
COPS yesterday scaled back the search for a Brit tourist and his pal missing in shark-infested waters in Australia.
Hugo Palmer and French national Erwan Ferrieux, both 20, have not been seen since their belongings were found on Shelly Beach, near Port Macquarie, on Monday.
The pair were thought to have been swimming or surfing but there has been no sign of them in searches. Now emergency services have downsized the air and sea hunt.
On Wednesday morning, Inspector Peter Neville, of New South Wales Police, said divers were involved in the mission, while surrounding bush land and cliffs were also being scoured.
"This whole operation is about locating and rescuing these young men. From some of the discussions I've had this morning we honestly believe these people could well be alive," he told the Port Macquarie News.
";At the moment this is strictly a rescue mission."
A New South Wales police spokesman said: “Based on advice from experts, police have scaled back the search, but sweeps of the coastline and foreshore will continue over the coming days.”
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It is believed Hugo, of East Grinstead, Sussex, and Erwan arrived in Australia in November.
They had been in the Port Macquarie area, on the New South Wales coast, since Sunday.
Police found their rental car in a beach car park with personal items including travel documents. The Foreign Office are in contact with police.
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