Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Missing in West Africa

Missing in West Africa

Christian Velten

This is a call to anyone with any friends/links/contacts in West Africa - in particular Gambia and along the Niger River through Mali, Niger and Nigeria - please help.
A young British man, Christian Velten, is thought to be missing in West Africa, probably Mali or Niger and his family and friends are desperately worried.
Do you know anyone who works along or has a knowledge of this area? Such contacts will be key to finding Chris. If you know anyone in this area, please see the detailed route in the link below and forward it on to anyone who might be able to help.

http://www.technicola.com/chris/index.html

Chris left London in February this year to make a documentary retracing the footsteps of Mungo Park, the acclaimed explorer who charted the route of the Niger River more than 200 years ago. Last contact with Chris was made five months ago at the end of March from Kita in Mali. He was heading for the town of Bamako, from where he planned to follow the Niger River, along a very specific route (please see 'Detailed Itinerary'). This would take him through Mali, Niger and finally Nigeria, to the mouth of the river. He was due home in July.
Chris is 28, about 5'10'', dark hair, brown eyes and most likely now has a beard. He is probably travelling alone with a backpack and may have been seen with a video camera as well as a pushcart.
Chris is the type of person who stays in contact therefore his disappearance means he is in trouble. Whether you have been travelling in the area, have contacts with locals, NGOs or any other organisations out there, you or people you know may well lead to him.
Any help would be enormously appreciated. Please forward this email to anyone you think can help.
Please contact:
sam AT nikhindson.com
or
v.paterson AT nhm.ac.uk