Mystery as tourist disappears after checking out of Fiji resort
It's been almost three months since Ildar Rakhmatulin contacted his family.
The family of a traveller who vanished after checking out of a hotel in Fiji are desperate for answers and frustrated at the lack of information surrounding his disappearance.
Ildar Rakhmatulin, a 38-year-old Canadian man, had flown into Fiji from New Zealand on April 7, and spent two nights at a resort on the island’s Coral Coast.
However, shortly after checking out of the hotel on April 9, Mr Rakhmatulin disappeared, with several of his belongings – including his phone – later found on the beach.
Bizarrely, his suitcase and backpack have not been found.
Police conduct water search
“He was travelling around the world, his dream was to travel,” Mr Rakhmatulin's friend, Alexander, told Yahoo News Australia. The pair had attended the University of Western Ontario together and remained friends over the years.
“He was travelling a lot since Covid,” Alexander said, adding that his friend was due to head to Malaysia after his adventures in the Pacific.
It’s not known if Mr Rakhmatulin, who held dual citizenship with Canada and Russia, was travelling alone or with a companion.
The discovery of his belongings on the beach prompted police divers to conduct a water search, however no trace of the missing traveller was found.
Frustration over lack of communication between authorities
Mr Rakhmatulin would call his mother every three days or so, and last spoke to her the day before his disappearance.
Alexander said Mr Rakhmatulin's mother was feeling “grief and frustration” over the lack of answers over her son’s disappearance. He said they had received more information from the local Russian community in Fiji than from Fijian or Canadian police.
“It initially seemed like nobody cared,” Alexander said.
“He was two days in Fiji and then he was lost. And for now it’s not clear, neither Fijian or Canadian police have given the information about if he actually left Fiji. They cannot confirm it. So it’s strange.
“It’s kind of suspicious. So he checked out from the hotel and for him, I think he wouldn’t just swim or something right after the check out.”
Alexander said there has been no information about Mr Rakhmatulin's other belongings, or if he has left the country. He also said his friend wasn't the type to take risks, describing him as "cautious".
Mr Rakhmatulin's family and friends have been in contact with Fijian police, Canadian police, the Russian embassy and Global Affairs Canada for assistance.
“It’s the 21st century… we don’t know the information. Did he leave the country? I don’t see proper communication,” Alexander said.
“Maybe he is in hospital? Unconscious? Maybe that’s why no-one can find him.”
A Global Affairs Canada spokesperson Jérémie Bérubé confirmed to Yahoo News they are aware of Mr Rakhmatulin's disappearance.
"Canadian officials are providing consular support to the family of the Canadian citizen and communicating with local authorities. Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed," Mr Bérubé said.
Yahoo News has contacted the Fiji Police Force for comment.
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