Australian man missing after white water rafting in Central America
The family of an Australian man missing in Guatemala are appealing for the public’s help to raise funds for a search.
Brisbane man Michael Eather went missing while white water rafting on the Rio Cahabon on January 23.
The 23-year-old had been several months into a “trip of a lifetime”, from California into Central America, when he disappeared.
Mr Eather’s family have set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to raise enough money to organise a search through the rough terrain.
“Michael’s family would like to advise they are in direct contact with an English speaking, private search and rescue group based out of Guatemala City,” Michael’s soon-to-be sister-in-law said.
“They are organising a helicopter search with an approximate cost of $10,000 at this stage.”
The Brisbane electrician had been rafting with a Portuguese tourist friend in a what’s been described as an inner tyre tube when he was last seen.
“The volunteers, who are searching for Michael, are working in particularly harsh terrain and conditions,” Michael’s brother’s fiancee Jodie said.
“They have very limited resources and to maximise their search efforts they require specialist equipment not available in Guatemala.”
Mr Eather’s mother Tracy said she has spoken to the owner of the hostel where the 23-year-old and his friends were volunteering.
The owner has been able to provide the family with a list of equipment they will need, with the family now looking to buy/rent and send items to Guatemala.
“(Michael’s parents) Tracy and Brett appreciate your texts, calls, Facebook messages/posts, emails and visits. Please do not be offended if all of the above are not answered directly,” Jodie said.
“The priority at the moment is finding Michael whilst liaising with local, national and international authorities.”
So far, almost $26,000 has been raised in two days, with the money to go towards search equipment, fuel for search vehicles and food for the volunteers helping in the search.
To donate to the Search for Michael CLICK HERE
