Human remains, believed to be those of 32-year-old Wen (Walter) Ren Gu, who went missing on New Year's Day while snorkelling, were discovered on Tuesday morning at Fence Reed Beach, north of Ledge Point, Western Australia. Police have indicated the remains are consistent with Mr. Gu, though formal identification is pending. His disappearance initiated a significant search operation after he became separated from a group of friends.
Discovery and Identification
The discovery was made at approximately 7:20 AM on Tuesday at Fence Reed Beach, located north of Ledge Point. Authorities reported that the remains are consistent with Mr. Gu, who was last seen on January 1. Formal identification procedures are underway to confirm identity.
Disappearance and Search Operations
Mr. Gu went missing on New Year's Day while snorkelling for crayfish off Ledge Point with a group of friends from Perth. He reportedly entered the water around 10:00 AM and subsequently became separated from his group. His friends conducted their own search before reporting him missing to police at approximately 3:00 PM when he failed to return to shore. The estimated timeframe between his disappearance and the alert to authorities was between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Following the report, police and marine rescue services launched a major search and rescue operation, which continued for 24 hours before being scaled back. During the search, Mr. Gu's friend, Ching-Hui Chang, issued a public appeal for information from anyone who might have rescued him or provided transport in the Ledge Point area. Confirmation of whether Mr. Gu returned to shore independently or was rescued by members of the public had not been established. Family and friends had indicated their intention to continue search efforts with public support, and local residents also participated. The reef area off Ledge Point has been noted as challenging for divers.
Investigation and Background
The death is not currently considered suspicious by police. A report for the coroner is being prepared to detail the circumstances surrounding the death.
Wen (Walter) Ren Gu was temporarily residing and working in Western Australia and was in the process of applying for a student visa to continue his stay in the country. He is described as being approximately 165cm tall, of slim build, and possesses an anchor tattoo on the lower left of his abdomen.