SWAKOPMUND - The police have escalated their efforts in the search for Robby Michael, a resident of Omaruru, who went missing during a fishing trip to Henties Bay. 

Michael’s mysterious disappearance has left authorities puzzled and his loved ones deeply concerned.

The incident came to light when fishermen and residents travelling from Swakopmund to Henties Bay stumbled upon Michael’s abandoned vehicle in the sea.

Police spokesperson in Erongo, inspector Ileni Shapumba indicated that Michael went on a fishing trip with his friends but remained at the fishing site when his friends went to overnight at Henties Bay.

“His vehicle, a white extended cab Toyota D4D with registration number N 2426 OM was found in the ocean at 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,” Shapumba said. 

The vehicle exhibited signs of significant damage, and, notably, the key was still in the ignition. 

This has led investigators to suspect that Michael may have parked close to the sea to relax, inadvertently exposing his vehicle to the rising tide, which could have caused it to be engulfed by the sea.

“We have been searching for him since Sunday with no success. We have searched everywhere and [now] appealing to residents to report any information that could help us in tracing him,” Shapumba appealed. 

The Namibia Wildlife Resorts is also aware of the incident and has also issued a warning to the public about the dangers of parking vehicles too close to the water, especially during high tide.

“At the moment, we cannot confirm whether Michael was in the car when it was taken by the tide, as no body has been retrieved,” the NWR indicated yesterday. -  edeklerk@nepc.com.na