South African Police Services (SAPS) are still continuing the search for the missing Marie Ostbo. In the early hours of Thursday morning, they found some of her belongings on the beach where she went missing the previous evening.
Ostbo, a 21-year-old student from Norway who is studying in France, came to South Africa as part of a tour with a group of fellow students. She disappeared at approximately 7 pm on Wednesday evening, after she joined some members of her group for a walk on a beach less than 100 meters away from the backpacker’s the group were staying at in Sedgefield.
Ostbo’s sister, Helene, posted on Facebook: “My dear sister is missing from a trip in South Africa. We hope that she will be found safe and healthy.”
A large team, comprising of SAPS, Community Police, a K-9 Search and Rescue Unit, a police Dive Unit, Western Cape government Health EMS, Wilderness Search and Rescue, ASR/EMS Skymed Helicopters, National Sea Rescue Wilderness crew and local Neighborhood Watch Members, searched throughout the day and night yesterday.
The extensive search yielded Ostbo’s cellphone, hat and shoes. These items were found on the same beach she had disappeared from the evening before.
Police are continuing their search and investigations in order to track Ostbo down.
NSRI Wilderness crews are on high alert, and will assist SAPS throughout their investigation. Emergency Services and Neighborhood Watch will do the same.
NSRI and authorities have been in communication with Ostbo’s family abroad to keep them updated on any and all developments in the case of their missing relative.
The tour group is also receiving assistance and support to help them through this traumatic and stressful time.
An ongoing search operation, headed by the SA Police Services, has found no sign of missing Marie Ostbo and the search and investigations are ongoing… https://t.co/rTQtQEejdi pic.twitter.com/xXBMPRpBYu
— NSRI (@NSRI) April 19, 2018
#MarieOstbo was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white shirt. National Sea Rescue Institute’s Craig Lambinon says an extensive search which includes a police rescue unit and the public is underway
— Arthur Pose (@ArthurPose) April 19, 2018
A Search is underway in Sedgefield to try to locate 21 year old Norwegian, #MarieOstbo. The student, who studies in France was on tour in South Africa with friends, they went for a walk last night and she never returned.
— Arthur Pose (@ArthurPose) April 19, 2018
Picture: NSRI