Missing Snorkeler's Remains Found North of Perth

Human remains believed to belong to a 32-year-old snorkeler missing since New Year's Day were discovered on a beach north of Perth, Western Australia, on Tuesday morning.

The remains, found by a man walking on Fence Reef Beach near Lancelin around 7 a.m., are thought to be those of Wen Ren Gu, known as Walter, who vanished while snorkeling with friends at nearby Ledge Point Beach on January 1. Police arrived shortly after the report, secured the area and recovered the remains. Formal identification is pending, but a police spokesperson stated that authorities believe the discovery pertains to the man who went missing that Thursday. The death is not considered suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Gu, who had been living temporarily in Western Australia while applying for a study visa, traveled from Perth with three friends to snorkel for crayfish at the popular coastal spot, about 75 miles north of the city. The group entered the water around 10 a.m., but Gu became separated from them. After conducting their own search on the crowded beach, his friends alerted authorities around 3 p.m. It remains unclear how long he had been missing before the alarm was raised.