The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed it’s helping the family of Cameron Twiss following his disappearance in Albania.
It’s been more than a month since Twiss was last seen walking along the Valbona – Theth Hiking Trail in Northern Albania before he was officially reported missing.
DFAT has since stepped in and confirmed that it’s providing “consular assistance” to the 28-year-old’s family as they continue to search for their loved one.
Twiss, who is originally from Adelaide, was last seen at about 8am on October 13, taking on the northern Albanian walking train.
After he was reported missing, authorities found his passport and his clothes at a hostel near Shkoder.
Speaking to the Adelaide Advertiser, Kultura Hostel owner Arlind Shkembi said the Valbona to Theth hike “so easy 70-year-olds do it”.
“The area is always filled with people from other countries,” he told the publication.
“There are cabins that serve coffee or, if you get stuck at night there, they will give you blankets or something to warm up.”
A social media post from the Albanian and Kosovo Mountain Rescue Service, which was first shared when Twiss was reported missing about a month ago, revealed his plans for his hike.
“According to the information we have, Cameron’s plan was to walk Valbona — Theth, return to Shkodër, where he stayed in a hostel. His travel documents and other belongings are in the hostel,” it wrote.
In a recent update, shared on November 2, the rescue service said it checked the trail with the State Police but has since suspended the operation.
“Our members in co-ordination with the State Police checked today the trail that takes you from Valbona to Theth and the suspected areas where tourists encounter the most difficulties, but today’s search resulted in no sign of the person,” the service said, per NewsWire.
“The search has been suspended to receive more information.
“We call once again that if anyone has information or has encountered a tourist along the trail to contact us or contact the relevant authorities.”
A spokesperson for the rescue recently told The Advertiser that it was “extremely unusual” for tourists to be killed or injured on the same hike Twiss embarked on.
DFAT has not provided any more comment, citing its privacy obligations.
It’s understood that Twiss’ family has travelled to Albania to search for him.
Image source: 9News
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