Friends seek help

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Friends seek help

CLOSE friends and family of missing Russian couple Yuri Shipulin and Natalia are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to their location.

The couple’s friend, Alla Mallerich made a public appeal on social media yesterday when the pair failed to return from their trip through the Nausori Highland Road in Nadi on Thursday.

In a Facebook post, Ms Mallerich said the couple had been missing for three days even though their phones were still active.

She said the pair’s cellphones were ringing but they both had yet to respond to their calls.

“Police are doing what they can here within their limits. No helicopter or such so we are appealing to everyone,” Ms Mallerich said.

“We pray Digicel will expedite the request from police to locate their signal and track calls and their movements.

“We pray for them and send our best hopes to family and friends for their safe return.

“Any critical and relevant information that can lead to locating them please call the police as soon as possible,” Ms Mallerich said.

Police spokesman Josaia Weicavu said police were still searching for the couple.

He said the pair was travelling in a grey metallic land cruiser bearing the registration PILOT.

“They were reported missing by their business partner who lives on the farm,” he said.

“Members of the public with information of their whereabouts or the location of their vehicle are requested to call Crime Stoppers on 919.”