Concern for the fate of missing Australian brothers in Mexico

MISSING AUSTRALIAN BROTHERS MEXICO

: A supplied image of Perth siblings Jake and Callum Robinson who are believed to have gone missing in the Baja California region, near the Mexican city of Ensenada (AAP) Source: Supplied / SUPPLIED/PR IMAGE

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Three people have reportedly been arrested in Mexico in relation to two missing Australian brothers, and their friend from the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says Australian officials have joined in the search for the trio. UPDATE: The family has issued a statement thanking wellwishers and supporters, authorities and the media for their efforts to help in the search. The parents say they are travelling to Mexico to be "as close as possible to the area they were last seen."


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TRANSCRIPT:

It started off as a surfing adventure for Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson.

But now authorities are searching for the pair, who have disappeared on their surfing trip to the west coast of Mexico in the state of Baja California.

They were travelling with an American man, Jack Carter Rhoad, who's also missing.

In a social media post, their mother Debra Robinson has appealed for anyone who has seen her sons to get in contact with her.

She says she's not been in contact with them since last weekend [[Saturday 27 April]], and has medical concerns for Callum who has type one diabetes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told Channel 7 he's been in touch with the family.

"We certainly hope that these brothers are found safely. But there is real concern about the fact that they've gone missing. Their mother is obviously very distressed about this and we just hope for a positive outcome."

Authorities in Mexico have continued to search across the land and sea for the group.

Police say a burnt out car believed to belong to one of the brothers has been found on a property south of the city of Ensenada.

Jorge Argoud is the Deputy Chief of Ensenada Public Security.

“Until now we are searching. As my commander says, not only us but other bodies are flying over the coast with a drone. So, to us, it’s very important to find these people. Until now we have nothing. The only thing we have is what we found yesterday – a telephone and a woman.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says Australian police have joined in the search, and that consular officials are providing support to the family.

"We are obviously deeply concerned, deeply worried. My personal thoughts and the thoughts of all of us are with the families of the missing men. I can indicate that our embassy in Mexico as well as the Australian Federal Police are working in support of local authorities, that my department is providing consular support to the families concerned."

Meanwhile, three people have been detained over the disappearances: one woman, and two men.

But it remains unclear if they were arrested or only questioned.

María Ramírez is the Chief Prosecutor in Baja California, and says the investigation is ongoing.

"A working team (of investigators) is at the site where they were last seen, where tents and other evidence were found that could be linked to these three people we have under investigation."

Western Australia's Premier, Roger Cook, says he hopes for a speedy and positive resolution to the case.

He's told reporters he shares the concerns of all Western Australians in terms of their welfare.

"I just want Callum and Jake to come home. This must be horrible for the Robinson family and everyone in the community who knows those boys... None of this is looking great, but we hold out hope and we want to bring those boys home."

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