WALVIS BAY – There is no evidence suggesting that missing Omaruru resident Robby Michael might have walked away from the sea, the police in Erongo have said.
This follows speculation based on the images of damage to his vehicle found in the ocean, which have been circulating on various platforms.
Michael went on a fishing trip to Henties Bay with friends, and was reported missing on Sunday morning.
“The investigating team has searched the whole area, and has never spotted any evidence which would suggest that the victim might have walked away from the area,” said Erongo police spokesperson, Ileni Shapumba.
The incident came to light when fishermen and residents travelling from Swakopmund to Henties Bay stumbled upon Michael’s abandoned vehicle in the sea.
Shapumba indicated that the vehicle, a white extended cab Toyota D4D with registration number N 2426 OM, was found in the ocean at the Mile 72 camping area, approximately 40 kilometres north of Henties Bay. There was no one in the car or seen in the area at the time. The vehicle exhibited signs of significant damage, but notably, the key was still in the ignition.
Michael’s mysterious disappearance has left authorities puzzled, resulting in residents speculating on the disappearance after his damaged vehicle was removed from the ocean earlier this week.
Shapumba said the state in which the vehicle was is a result of the rocky areas in the ocean, while additional damages on the vehicle occurred during the towing process to remove it from the ocean.
“The area is rocky, and the sea tide remained high. The team had worked hard to remove the vehicle from the water for about six hours,” he noted. “We acknowledge inputs and advice from the public, with some suggesting that the vehicle was involved in an accident elsewhere. While we value that, we request our communities to have trust and confidence in us as we are investigating the matter with the seriousness it deserves. We will communicate information once that becomes available.”