Missing British backpacker found 'safe and well' at eco-retreat in Fijian mountains

A British backpacker whose family reported her missing was actually staying at an eco-retreat in the Fijian mountains.

The relatives of Lydia O’Sullivan, 23, from Whitehaven, Cumbria, contacted police when they did not hear from her for nearly a week.

She usually messages her family daily but she had not been heard from since February 28.

It turned out Ms O’Sullivan, who has been travelling abroad for the past two years and recently arrived in Fiji from New Zealand, was staying at the Namosi Eco Retreat.

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Her sister Franciene Nicholson wrote on Facebook: "We are absolutely elated that Lydia O'Sullivan has been found safe and well on an Eco retreat in the Fijian mountains.

"My mother has just spoken to her and she is safe and well oblivious to the world search party looking for her.

"We would like to thank the police forces in Fiji and England for there hard work and dedication to find Lydia.

"But mostly we would like as a family to thank our amazing friends and everyone that has sent well wishes and offers for help.

"The Fijian people have been so kind. They all went the extra mile to help find Lydia.”

The retreat also posted a picture of Ms O’Sullivan online, adding: "A HUGE thank you to Lydia for staying with us this week.

“The village kids miss you already! Safe travels and God Bless."

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Cumbria Constabulary issued an urgent appeal to help find Ms O’Sullivan on Friday and a major search was launched.

A police spokesman said: "Cumbria Constabulary is liaising with Lydia’s family and agencies including the police in Fiji but would ask anyone with any knowledge of her whereabouts to contact police immediately."

Prior to visiting Fiji, Ms O’Sullivan had been living and working in Auckland.