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Aussie 'went to get a coffee' at airport, and then vanished

An Australian traveller has vanished seemingly without a trace from the Rio de Janeiro International Airport.

Rye Hunt was last seen by a friend at approximately 3.30pm local time on Saturday May 21.

They reportedly split up to buy coffee, and when Mr Hunt failed to return half an hour later his friend became worried.

The 25-year-old Tasmanian man has not accessed his social media or bank accounts since his disappearance, according to the The Examiner.

Mr Hunt had reportedly been speaking with his girlfriend Bonnie Cuthbert every day but he has not been in touch with her either.

Now after nearly one week missing, each minute without news is increasingly difficult for his loved ones who are "deeply concerned" about his safety.

Ms Cuthbert, from Perth, wrote on Facebook last night: "Come on Ryebear, needing to see you now."

Source: Bonnie Cuthbert/ Facebook
Source: Bonnie Cuthbert/ Facebook

This morning she wrote that their next move will be to travel to Brazil.

"Thankyou (sic) everyone for you support, unfortunately we are yet to find Rye," Ms Cuthbert wrote.

"Our next step is to make our way to Brazil in order to aid the search for our beautiful boy."

A gofundme page has been set up to help raise money, and Ms Cuthbert says the funds will cover the costs of lawyers and private detectives.

The page states: "The family of Rye are deeply concerned for Rye's wellfare (sic) and are seeking to travel to Brazil to search for Rye."

Mr Hunt's sister Romany Brodribb told The Examiner, “Nobody has heard from him, including his girlfriend which is very unusual.”

“We are really concerned for his safety and we are feeling really helpless being back here,” Ms Brodribb said.

Mr Hunt posted this picture on his Facebook page on April 7 before he embarked on his travel. Source Rye Hunt/Facebook
Mr Hunt posted this picture on his Facebook page on April 7 before he embarked on his travel. Source Rye Hunt/Facebook

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said, "The Australian Embassy in Brasilia is working closely with local authorities to locate an Australian man reported missing in Brazil.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the man’s family.

"Due to privacy obligations, we will not provide further comment."

On April 7 Mr Hunt posted on his own Facebook page, "Today I am leaving Western Australia indefinitely, just a quick thank you to everyone that's helped me out along the way.

"Throwin' a massive Shukkas out to all the gnarley dudes and ladies I met throughout my time in Kalgoorlie and Perth.

"A special thanks to the Millers and the Sheppards for being so accomodating and putting up with all the antics over the past few years. Embarking on an adventure now to see the world over the next few months. unsure of what the future has instore for us, stay safe everybody, hope to see you all upon our return.

"Also a massive thank you to my number one little homie (Bonnie ) for being her wonderful self helping me out over the past few weeks, couldn't have done it without you (sic)."

Mr Hunt was last seen at the Rio de Janeiro International Airport on May 21. Source: Australian Missing Persons/ Facebook
Mr Hunt was last seen at the Rio de Janeiro International Airport on May 21. Source: Australian Missing Persons/ Facebook

Mr Hunt was reportedly intending on travelling to Bolivia next.

He is described as 175cm tall, with a tanned complexion and dark brown hair and weighs about 98 kilograms.

It's believed he was carrying a large blue and black travellers backpack when he vanished.

Anyone who may have information regarding the disappearance can email FindRye@gmail.com.

News break – May 27