A tourist from Lyon missing in Peru: police continue the search

Puerto Malabrigo – 17 July 2026: The Peruvian National Police are continuing their search for 30-year-old Frenchman Boris Poyer. The traveler from Lyon has been reported missing in Puerto Malabrigo, in the district of Razuri, Ascope province, in the La Libertad region of northern Peru. The public news agency Andina reported on 16 July that police had begun their search the previous day.

According to consistent reports from regional French media, Poyer has not been heard from since 10 July. This date therefore differs from the initial reports, which mentioned 11 July. His last known location is Puerto Malabrigo, a coastal town on the Pacific. Peruvian authorities have so far provided no indication of what may have led to his disappearance.

Police initially focused their operations on the coastal area and on routes used by visitors in the vicinity. Investigators and local volunteers also searched a cave near the La Punta area. According to Andina, they went more than 25 meters into the cave but had to turn back because of a very narrow passage. Search teams subsequently ruled out the possibility that the missing man was there.

The National Police rescue unit also inspected the beach and the adjacent coastline. According to authorities, no clues concerning an injured person were found. Police intend to check other locations regularly frequented by travelers. Neither an accidental cause nor a criminal lead has been publicly confirmed at this stage; speculation to that effect therefore remains unsupported.

French media identified the missing man as Boris Poyer, an engineer from Lyon. They reported that he was staying in Puerto Malabrigo and had chosen the region in particular for its surfing opportunities. According to the Peruvian news agency, his personal belongings were still in his accommodation. In addition, there is no evidence that he rented a surfboard immediately before his disappearance.

In cases involving missing French nationals abroad, the competent authorities in the country concerned are initially responsible for the search. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs can, through the embassy and consulate, contact local services, pass on information, and issue a missing-person alert. However, French consular authorities cannot replace local police investigations or direct their procedures.

The search in Puerto Malabrigo continues on 17 July. Relatives and authorities still hope to obtain clues that could clarify Boris Poyer’s whereabouts. No new confirmed information about his fate was available in the evening.