A 30-year-old Dutchman has been missing in Laos since Monday after being involved in a kayak accident, broadcaster NOS said on Monday.

Mattijn Lahuis and two friends were out kayaking in the jungle with a guide, when the current suddenly got stronger and two of the kayaks hit a tree. Although the other three were able to scramble to safety, nothing more has been heard from Lahuis.

Efforts to find him so far have failed and his family have now launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise €70,000 to pay for a helicopter to help in the search. ‘Each moment counts and we are terrified that he is alone in the jungle,’ the family said.

The foreign ministry said they are in touch with the family and following the rescue operation closely.