Four Vietnamese students missing in Australia over a month

A back view of a female student. Illustration photo by Freepik

As reported by the New York Post, Sunnie, a Year 11 student described as reserved and not proficient in English, was last seen by her host family on the evening of Jan. 8. Sunnie’s host mother May Zervaas then reported her missing to the police around 11 p.m. that same day upon realizing she was gone.

Sunnie had reportedly left with a backpack, her laptop, passport, and two pairs of shoes. Her phone has been turned off since then, and her social media accounts have been deleted.

Investigations show no evidence of forced entry in her room, and most of her belongings were left behind, as stated by authorities. They have also not found any connections between the disappearances of the four students.

Mary Zervaas, daughter of Sunnie’s host mother, expressed to the Daily Mail her concern about Sunnie leaving behind most of her belongings, including essential medication.

The Zervaas family mentioned that Sunnie had three years remaining on her student visa and appeared to be enjoying her stay in South Australia. They saw no reason for her to run away.

In response, authorities reassured that there were no immediate danger signals for the students. They informed the public that they are considering the possibility of the students having traveled interstate. South Australia police are thus collaborating with police in other states for further investigations, they stated.

The local community and Sunnie’s host family remain hopeful, wishing that she and the other missing students will see the news and reach out to them.

Lien Nguyen-Navas, from the Vietnamese Women’s Association, expressed hope that the situation might simply involve teenagers on an unplanned adventure during the school holidays, without informing anyone.