Philip Mawer has not been heard from since attempting to flee Palma
(Picture: Handout)British national Philip Mawer appears to have died after he was caught up in an attack by Islamist militants in northern Mozambique, his employer has said.
Mr Mawer, a caterer from Somerset, was among those who had not been seen after extremists launched an assault near a £14billion major gas project on Wednesday, March 24.
His employer, RA International, said in a statement on behalf of his family on Thursday: “It appears that Philip died while trying to escape from the siege by ISIS-linked insurgents of the Amarula Hotel.”
Members of the SAS involved in the search of Mr Mawer have received a body for identification, reports the Times.
RA International has also confirmed that seven local members of its staff remain unaccounted for and a body that fits the description of a missing UK national employee has been recovered.
Mr Mawer worked at the hotel compound for the Dubai-based firm that provided living quarters and other logistics for expat workers.
He previously told friends of the dangers of working in areas regularly targeted by militants.
Five years ago on a Facebook update he wrote: “Currently dodging rocket attacks in Mogadishu.”
Officials said dozens were dead following the attack targeting shops, banks and a military barracks.
Minister for Africa James Duddridge tweeted at the time of the attack: “The UK wholeheartedly condemns the appalling violence in Cabo Delgado. It must stop. We are contacting British people in the region.”
The UK 🇬🇧 wholeheartedly condemns the appalling violence in Cabo Delgado. It must stop. We stand with the people of Mozambique against terror.
— James Duddridge MP (@JamesDuddridge) March 28, 2021
We are contacting British people in the region to provide support and are updating our travel advice regularly https://t.co/oslmPNqzKs
Soraya Narfeldt, Chief Executive Officer, RA International, said: “This is the most difficult news for the families of all of those unaccounted for, and their colleagues and friends.
“We are working to ensure the families are supported in this deeply worrying time and are also working very closely with the authorities.
“The safety and security of our staff is our highest priority. We were able to react quickly upon hearing of the attack to evacuate a large number of people to more secure locations with the support of our crisis management partner, Broll Risk Management.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who remain unaccounted for.”
