Tasmanian man Rye Duval Hunt has been declared missing in Rio De Janeiro after disappearing from the city’s international airport on Saturday.
Mr Hunt, 25, disappeared from the airport on May 21 and has not accessed his bank accounts or social media accounts since.
He has also not contacted his girlfriend, who he had been speaking with daily.
Mr Hunt and a friend were at Rio De Janeiro International Airport deciding on their next destination when the pair split to grab a coffee.
They had arranged to meet again half an hour later, however Mr Hunt’s friend became concerned when he did not return.
Mr Hunt’s family has expressed deep concern for the 25-year-old’s well-being.
Romany Brodribb, Hunt’s sister, said her family has filed a missing person report with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Embassy.
“They were staying in Rio and their next intended destination was Bolivia,” Ms Brodribb said.
“When Rye didn’t turn up [his friend] went looking around the airport, and talked to security for hours.”
Unable to find Mr Hunt, his friend returned to their hostel in Rio to continue the search.
Mr Hunt’s friend then contacted Mr Hunt’s girlfriend in Australia to see if they had spoken.
“Nobody has heard from him, including his girlfriend which is very unusual,” Ms Brodribb said.
DFAT and the Australian embassy are working with tourist police in Brazil in regards to Mr Hunt’s whereabouts.
“The Australian Embassy in Brasilia is working closely with local authorities to locate an Australian man reported missing in Brazil,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
“Due to privacy obligations, we will not provide further comment.”
In 2010, around 100 people went missing each month in Brazil, according to Inter State Press.
“The issue is that while the authorities are being cooperative now, they weren’t at first,” Ms Brodribb said.
“We are really concerned for his safety and we are feeling really helpless being back here.
“We just want to know he is safe somewhere.”
Anyone with information is urged to email FindRye@gmail.com.
Hunt was last seen carrying a large blue and black traveller's backpack.
