'He went silent': Fears for NZ nurse Vanron Ngoun missing overseas

RNZ News

17 hours ago

Vanron Ngoun, also known as Van, was last heard from in Naples, Italy, on 27 May.
Photo:
Supplied / Facebook
A close friend and flatmate of a 60-year-old Wellington man on holiday in Europe says his family are extremely concerned after not hearing from him for two weeks.
Clive Aspin said Wellington Hospital nurse Vanron Ngoun, also known as Van, was last heard from in Naples, Italy, on 27 May.
"He was sending us regular updates about his travels and what a great time he was having since he left New Zealand on May 15th. Then suddenly he went silent."
Van Ngoun, 2017.
Photo:
Supplied / Facebook
He said Ngoun, who was travelling by himself, had always kept in contact during overseas trips.
"It is absolutely, totally out of character.
"To suddenly not hear from him is completely unlike him and extremely concerning."
He said Ngoun's family in Cambodia also stopped hearing from him on 27 May.
"They are deeply concerned.
"He has a very close relationship with his sister in Phnom Penh, and she has been trying to contact him but has had no response."
He said Ngoun was due to take a flight from Milan to Cambodia via Bangkok and Qatar on 30 May.
Aspin wanted authorities to verify whether his friend, a long-time New Zealand resident and Australian citizen, got on that flight.
"The level of support from Australian authorities has been almost non-existent.
"We want to know they are at least keeping their eyes open for any person with his name that comes to their attention."
He said they had also notified police, embassies, and hospitals in Italy, Qatar, Thailand, and New Zealand.
He wanted New Zealand police to engage with the International Criminal Police Organisation, Interpol.
He urged people living in or travelling through Naples, or anyone with connections in the region, to keep an eye out and contact authorities if they had any information about Ngoun's whereabouts.
Van Ngoun, 2015.
Photo:
Supplied / Facebook
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed that they were aware of the situation.
"We have been in touch with the Australian High Commission in New Zealand and understand that consular assistance is being provided by Australian authorities."
Police confirmed they had received a missing person's report.
"We have made some initial enquiries as much as we are able.
"In the instance of someone reported missing in another country, the matter is ultimately under the jurisdiction of authorities in that country.
"Likewise, any consular assistance would be provided by the country of the individual's citizenship."
Police said they would potentially look to engage with Interpol in the coming days if no further leads emerged.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Ngoun travelled on an Australian passport and that his disappearance is incredibly worrying and concerning for his family and friends.
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