Theo Hayez: Search for missing Belgian backpacker to intensify
The search for a missing Belgian backpacker who disappeared in Byron Bay will intensify with abseilers set to join efforts after another fruitless day of searching.
Theo Hayez, 18, was last seen leaving the NSW holiday town's Cheeky Monkey's bar about 11pm on May 31.
Dozens of people, including State Emergency Service volunteers and members of the public are helping in the search - which just wrapped up its 10th day - but there is still no sign of the missing teenager.
Theo Hayez's family are desperate to find the 18-year-old backpacker. Supplied
An An abseiling team will focus on the cliffs around the Cape Byron Lighthouse where the last 'ping' from Theo's phone was recorded. Nine
Those on the ground have been handing out pictures of Theo's phone - a purple Oppo device - a NSW Police spokesman said.
Now search dogs and a local abseiling team will join in looking for Theo when rescue efforts resume tomorrow.
The abseiling team will focus on the cliffs around the Cape Byron Lighthouse where the last 'ping' from Theo's phone was recorded on June 1.
Divers and drones may also join in tomorrow's search.
State Emergency Service volunteers joined the search around Byron Bay. Nine
Theo Hayez's father Laurent made an emotional plea for public help in finding his son. 9News
Theo's distraught father Laurent made an emotional plea for help on Monday, begging encrypted chat service WhatsApp to grant police access to his son's final known conversations.
The company has provided what information they can but are unable to access the content of the messages, AAP understands.
Belgian police are also working in Europe to speak with people Theo may have contacted in his final known hours.
More than $68,000 has been raised via a GoFundMe page for the Hayez family, part of which was used to help Laurent Hayez fly to Australia.
Mr Hayez arrived in the country late last week and has vowed to stay until his son is found.
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