A prominent British lawyer is feared to die in the Seychelles after disappearing on a jungle trek.
Peter Clement was last seen walking alone on the challenging Grande Barbe Road to Silhouette Island on May 15, according to local media.
The 57-year-old was reportedly on holiday to celebrate his retirement and all his personal belongings and travel documents were found in the hotel room.
A “intensive” search was conducted over land and sea for several weeks, which included the use of a drone and a helicopter, Seychelles police said.
Local newspaper Le Seychellois said “in an unusual move” a few days after Mr Clement’s disappearance, police admitted that hope “was waning” to find the Briton alive due to persistent bad weather.
It has been reported that there is no trace of the lawyer yet and he is presumed dead.
Mr Clement’s former chambers, 2 Harcourt Buildings, said in a statement: “It is with deep surprise and sadness that we must announce the loss of our dear friend, colleague and former chamberlain, Peter Clement.
“He had recently retired after an illustrious career in criminal law, practicing from 2 Harcourt buildings for over 30 years.
“Before joining the chambers, he was a captain in the army’s legal service and served in Northern Ireland.
“He was highly esteemed and respected by everyone in the chambers and also among his many friends in the criminal bar.
“He will be missed.”
Matthew Scott, a lawyer for Pump Court Chambers, paid tribute to Mr. Clement, calling him a “good advocate” and “a man who was impossible not to like.”
Edward Henry QC of Mountford Chambers tweeted: “Peter was kind, kind, modest, undeservedly modest (in his own estimation of his talent) and completely outstanding.
“He will be missed, with this painful sense of loss and misunderstanding of why this happened to him, by all who loved and admired him. RIP dear Peter.”
A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told Sky News: “We are supporting the family of a British man who went missing in the Seychelles and we are in contact with local authorities.”