Remains of a missing snorkeler wash up in western Australia

Human remains, believed to be those of a missing snorkeler, washed up north of Ledge Point in Western Australia on Tuesday.

The grim discovery was made by a man walking along Fence Reed Beach early in the morning and quickly alerted police.

It comes five days after Wen “Walter” Ren Gu went missing while snorkeling on New Year’s Day.

“Formal identification is yet to be completed, but it is believed to be a 32-year-old man who went missing on Thursday,” Western Australia police said.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”

Walter, 32, had traveled up from the city to snorkel with three friends, hoping to catch crayfish. He somehow separated from the group and went missing.

Police have since launched a massive search of the popular tourist spot, using air support and maritime assets including local boats, jet skis, helicopters and drones.

The discovery marks a tragic development for his family and friends, who clung to hope that authorities would find him alive even as authorities scaled back search and rescue operations in the 24 hours he was missing.

A friend of Gu posted on social media asking for support in his search.

“If you or anyone you know was at Ledge Point Beach that day, saw someone rescue or apprehend an Asian man, if you have any photos, videos, dashcam footage or related information, please direct message me,” the message read. The era.

Another friend, identified as Chang, appealed for public help on Sunday. “At this time we cannot confirm whether he made it back to shore under his own power or was rescued by nearby bystanders,” she said, The West reported.

“Police conducted search and rescue operations for 24 hours and have since stopped. We do not want to give up and hope to continue the search with the help of everyone’s support.”

Gu is temporarily living and working in Western Australia and was in the process of applying for a visa to study in the country, The West reported, citing his family.

The local community was shocked after the incident. “He wasn’t far away at all, you can literally almost walk to the reef where they were,” resident Jay Barrett told the outlet, warning, “There are some treacherous spots.”