Advertisement

Backpacker's haunting post months before going missing with friend


A European backpacker’s social media post months before travelling to Australia with a friend revealed his excitement about his impending trip.

Now, authorities fear the pair may have drowned after Englishman Hugo Palmer and French national Erwan Ferrieux, both aged in their early 20s, went missing at Port Macquarie’s Shelly Beach on the NSW Mid North Coast on Sunday.

Their belongings were found on the beach along with towels and passports which were found in a rental car parked nearby.

Lifesavers said the surf in the area has been rough and was too dangerous for swimming. The beach was closed on Monday after a shark sighting.

Erwan Ferrieux (left) and Hugo Palmer went missing from Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie. Source: NSW Police
Erwan Ferrieux (left) and Hugo Palmer went missing from Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie. Source: NSW Police
Police divers during the search operation at Shelly Beach. Source: 7 News
Police divers during the search operation at Shelly Beach. Source: 7 News

Mr Palmer had used Instagram to post about travels with his friend.

He posted on November 1 that he was excited to travel overseas and was pictured in what appears to be an airport.

“The day is finally here that I’ll be travelling to the other side of the world with my amazing friends,” he wrote.

“Can’t wait to make some great memories and I couldn’t do it without you guys.”

Mr Palmer’s post before departing for an overseas trip. Source: Instagram/ Hugo Palmer
Mr Palmer’s post before departing for an overseas trip. Source: Instagram/ Hugo Palmer

He tagged Mr Ferrieux in the post.

Mr Palmer also posted a number of pictures of himself and his mate in Melbourne, along with several pictures at a number of beaches, including one in Sydney.

“Australia, you’re beautiful,” he captioned one of them.

Another showed the pair with surfboards.

Crews have been using dye to track currents and are searching a 20-kilometre stretch of coast.

Mr Ferrieux and Mr Palmer at a beach in Sydney last month. Source: Instagram/ Hugo Palmer
Mr Ferrieux and Mr Palmer at a beach in Sydney last month. Source: Instagram/ Hugo Palmer

Consular officials have been in contact with the young men’s families but at this stage it’s still being treated as a rescue mission and not a recovery one.

Anybody who may have seen the men or their silver Commodore station wagon with number plates 141-YML near the Shelly Beach car park or surrounding areas have been urged to contact police.

Mr Palmer is described as being Caucasian with fair hair and is 180 centimetres tall with an athletic build.

Mr Ferrieux has a tanned complexion, dark hair, brown eyes and is between 175 and 180 centimetres tall.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 18000 333 000 or submit a report online.

Do you know more or have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.