Human remains have been discovered on a beach in Western Australia, marking a tragic development in the search for a snorkeller who went missing on New Year's Day.
A New Year's Day disappearance
Wen "Walter" Ren Gu, aged 32, vanished while diving for crayfish with friends at Ledge Point Beach, north of Perth, on January 1. The alarm was raised with police at approximately 3pm after his companions conducted their own search on the crowded beach. Authorities have stated it remains unclear how long Wen was missing before they were notified.
A significant multi-agency rescue operation was immediately launched. It involved aerial and marine resources, including helicopters, drones, boats, jet skis, and several police divers. Despite these extensive efforts, the young man was not located, and the official search was scaled back on Friday, January 2.
Tragic discovery on the shoreline
On Tuesday, January 6, Western Australia Police confirmed they had been alerted to human remains that washed ashore at nearby Fence Reef Beach. While formal identification is pending, the remains are believed to be those of the missing 32-year-old.
A police spokeswoman said: "Formal identification is yet to be completed but it is believed to be a 32-year-old man who went missing on Thursday. His death is not being treated as suspicious." A report will now be prepared for the coroner.
Community efforts and a life remembered
The local community rallied during the search. Resident Jay Barrett told media that many locals had joined the effort, noting the area's potential dangers. "He wasn't very far out at all," Barrett said. "It does have some treacherous spots. You've just got to be cautious when you dive. Accidents happen and it's very, very tragic."
Wen Ren Gu, described as a cheerful and outgoing person, had been living in Western Australia temporarily and was in the process of applying for a study visa. Following the scaling back of the official search, friends appealed for information on local community groups, urging anyone with photos, videos, or dashcam footage from Ledge Point Beach that day to come forward.
Ledge Point Beach is a coastal spot known for its white sand and is popular for fishing and other water activities. The incident serves as a sombre reminder of the risks associated with water sports, even in seemingly calm conditions.
