The family of an Irishman who went missing in Australia last week are expected to travel to the country in the coming days as the investigation into the 30-year-old’s disappearance continues.
Niall McDonough was last seen by his girlfriend as he left a backpackers’ hostel in the northern town of Byron Bay to go for a walk at about 9pm on Friday evening.
An intensive two-day air, land and sea search for Mr McDonough was yesterday called off after it failed to trace his whereabouts.
However, police said the investigation into Mr McDonough’s disappearance would continue.
A member of the public located some of Mr McDonough's belongings on a park bench near the Cape Byron lighthouse early on Saturday morning.
A follow-up search concentrated on the headland and surrounding waterways near the lighthouse using local police, Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club and a rescue helicopter.
On Sunday, the police widened their search using jet skis, rescue boats and a larger vessel which swept the coastline from Brunswick Heads to Byron Bay. Police also conducted foot patrols of all local beaches.
Mr McDonough is described as being 170-centrimetres tall with a thin build, shaved red hair and blue eyes.
He was last seen bare-chested and wearing grey jeans with a billabong belt and runners, according to police. Police said they were concerned for Mr McDonough’s well-being as he suffers a medical condition that requires treatment.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is aware of the disappearance of an Irishman in Australia and were providing his family with consular assistance.