Detectives reappeal on the two year anniversary of diver's disappearance - Strike Force Groove
Friday, 10 May 2024 04:06:54 AM
Detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad are reappealing for information to locate a second man two-years after the death of a Brazilian diver in the Newcastle area.
On the two-year anniversary of 31-year-old Bruno Borges Martins death, police are continuing to appeal for information that may lead to the location of fellow diver, 32-year-old Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva.
About 9.30am on Monday 9 May 2022, emergency services were called to the Port of Newcastle after a male diver was located unresponsive in the water with 54kg of cocaine located nearby.
Despite the efforts of witnesses and paramedics, the man could not be revived.
He was later formally identified as 31-year-old Brazilian national, Bruno Borges Martins.
Local police commenced inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad under Strike Force Groove.
During the course of investigation, they have been assisted by officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), Northern Territory Police (NTPOL) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) since that time.
To date, two men have been charged and remain before the courts.
As inquiries continue, strike force detectives have released images of a truck that they believe may be connected to the other 32-year-old’s disappearance.
The truck, which is a white Mitsubishi Fuso truck with the NSW registration DA81PP, was last seen travelling southbound on the M4 Motorway, Pennant Hills, about 6.30pm Sunday 8 May 2022.
Detectives are also appealing for any information about a Toyota Townace Van with the NSW registration WNY439, which was seen travelling with the truck.
Commander of State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said it is about closure for the family and community who have had to live with not knowing for these last two years.
“At the end of the day, it’s about giving answers to the family who wonder where their loved one has gone,” Det Supt Faux said.
“We believe that there are people out there who have information that can provide closure for the family two years after he disappeared.
“I urge anyone who has information to speak to us so that Mr Da Silvas loved ones don’t have to spend another year wondering what happened to him.”
Investigations under Strike Force Groove are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.