Search on for two European backpackers last seen at a popular beach
Two backpackers have disappeared from a popular beach with only their belongings discovered by morning walkers.
Police are searching for Englishman Hugo Palmer and his French companion Erwan Ferrieux, both aged 20, who went missing at Shelly Beach near Port Macquarie, 400km north of Sydney.
Their personal items were found by morning walkers at sunrise on Monday and their rental car was later found at a car park containing a number of other belongings, including travel documents.
Police launched a large-scale ground and water search but have been unable to find the European men.
On Tuesday Port Macquarie lifeguards issued a warning about shark sightings at Town Beach, about three kilometres from where the men went missing.
The beach was closed after a “large number of sharks” were sighted about 9am on Monday.
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 are 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.
