Global search to identify mystery man found in Sunshine Coast river
An international search is underway to identify a man found dead in a Sunshine Coast river.
A supplied image obtained on Monday, April 15, 2024, of a man who was found dead in the Maroochy River in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast in November 2023. Sunshine Coast detectives are appealing to the public for assistance to help identify the man as investigations continue into his death. (AAP Image/Supplied by Queensland Police Service) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY
The Australian Federal Police have contacted the global INTERPOL network, five months after the man’s body was discovered by a member of the public under the Talep Bridge.
An extensive investigation has been launched to identify the man, with DNA testing used by detectives to determine his country of origin and possible relatives.
Police have also tried matching the surgical nails found in the man’s right knee with a hospital.
They previously appealed to the public for assistance, releasing CCTV footage of the man in the clothes he was wearing when found in the Maroochy River on November 30, 2023.
The footage is believed to be captured on the day he died.
Police are now looking overseas, saying no reported missing persons in Queensland match the man’s identity.
“We know someone knows this man – a family member, a friend, a boss or colleague,” Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield said.
Police have not ruled out requesting the publication of a Black Notice.
A Black Notice contains the details of an unidentified person which is circulated to 196 INTERPOL member countries and is used to allow checks on international missing person databases.
The death not suspicious, Sgt Mansfield said.
“However we continue to appeal for public assistance to help identify him so we can inform his family,” he added.
“Our main focus is returning him to those who knew and loved him.”
