Brazilian police have expanded their search for missing Australian Rye Hunt after confirming that a reported sighting of him on an island matched his description.
The 25-year-old Tasmanian's family says the search is focusing around the sighting by a fisherman on Cotunduba island, about 900m northeast of Copacabana Beach, on May 22.
"It has been confirmed by Brazilian Police that the description provided by the fisherman matched Rye's appearance," the family said in a statement on Friday.
The family also said there was "significant evidence" confirming Mr Hunt was under the influence of drugs, after previously saying it would be "out of character" for him.
Mr Hunt's partner Bonnie and uncle Michael are in Rio de Janeiro working with local and Australian authorities on the search.
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They are planning to hold a press conference on Copacabana Beach on Friday.
Rio's missing person's unit first received a phone call on Monday from a fisherman who reported seeing Mr Hunt on Cotunduba island.
Mr Hunt was said to be very scratched and asked for water.
The fisherman asked how he got to the island and the Australian said he'd swum.
