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Home / World

Family waits for news in mystery of missing Kiwi Sean Mitchell

By Belinda Feek
Reporter·NZ Herald·
30 May, 2016 03:37 AM3 mins to read

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Western Australia police are searching for missing 37-year-old Sean David Mitchell. Photo / Supplied
Western Australia police are searching for missing 37-year-old Sean David Mitchell. Photo / Supplied

Western Australia police are searching for missing 37-year-old Sean David Mitchell. Photo / Supplied

The anxious wait continues for the family and friends of Kiwi man Sean Mitchell who has not been seen for more than a week.

Western Australian police today told the Herald there were no new developments in Mr Mitchell's case.

Yesterday officers were still searching near the shore of the Swan River in Perth, where it is believed Mr Mitchell went missing, while water police continued to search from the water.

Mr Mitchell, 37, of Rotorua was last spoken to by a friend when he told her he was about to board a yacht moored on the Swan River near the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club on Friday, May 20.

He was earlier seen drinking with friends at a beer cafe in Perth at about 5pm.

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It is believed Mr Mitchell used his Smart Rider card to board public transport at 9pm, but he did not tag off.

An hour later he called a friend and spoke to her about going on another friend's yacht moored on the Swan River.

The friend has confirmed he got on the yacht and then used their dinghy to head back to shore but hasn't been seen since.

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Sean Mitchell. Photo / Supplied
Sean Mitchell. Photo / Supplied

The next day, Saturday, a member of the public told police he had found a bag belonging to Mitchell, with some of his belongings still inside, in the Swan River at Blackwall Reach in Bicton.

Friends of Mr Mitchell have since set up a Facebook page - Help Us Find Sean Mitchell - pleading for information as to his whereabouts.

In posts to the page, friends and family were trying to stay hopeful he would be found alive.

"Against all odds, my hope remains, standing firm and still believing for the best possible outcome," wrote one friend.

"Sean has an absolute heart of gold ... I pray the truth is revealed and for an overflow of peace that surpasses all understanding to cover all of Sean's family and friends through this hard time."

"Beautifully written," replied a man who claimed to be Sean's brother.

"We didn't always see eye to eye but he's still my younger brother. I too am holding out for some good news."

Police want to speak to the friends Mr Mitchell was drinking with the night he disappeared, and anyone who may know where he is.

Mr Mitchell is described as being of medium build with fair skin, red hair and blue eyes.

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