A search is underway for a couple from #MountVernon, New York, who went to the #DominicanRepublic for a romantic getaway and suddenly vanished.
The families of #OrlandoMoore and his girlfriend #PortiaRavenelle haven’t heard from the couple in nearly two weeks. They flew out of Newark Liberty International Airport on March 23rd and were supposed to return home to Mount Vernon on March 27th, according to @nbcnewyork.
Family members say their phones are off and their car is still parked at the airport. Orlando’s sister, Lashay Turner, said she reached out to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic and then filed a police report.
Authorities said the couple checked out of their hotel in Samana, but what happened to them after that remains a mystery at this point. Officials added that they did not make the flight back to Newark, and there’s no record of them getting back to the U.S.
The U.S. Department of State said it was aware of the case and is working with local authorities in the search for Orlando and Portia, but didn’t have any other comment on the matter.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection declined to comment, citing privacy concerns that would preclude them from discussing individual cases of international travelers.
“When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts and share information with families however we can,” a U.S. Department of State official said in a statement. “The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the Department of State. We stand ready to provide appropriate assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families.”
Turner said that Orlando and Portia had a rental car in the DR but now that vehicle is missing.
A picture believed to be the latest of them posted to social media before they vanished shows them riding horses together on their trip.
We pray for this couple’s safe return and will update you on this story, Roommates.
TSR STAFF: Christina C! @cdelafresh
