Family of missing Australian man condemns Brazilian media for sending body photos to confirm identity

The family of an Australian man missing in Rio de Janeiro is "disgusted" that Brazilian media sent them photos of a body for identification.

Rye Hunt, a 25-year-old backpacker, has been missing in Rio since May 21 when he split up with his traveling companion at the airport following a dispute.

Brazilian media reported that authorities had found a body washed ashore on Guaratiba beach in the Marica district, 50 kms west of Rio.

Hunt's family in Hobart released a statement early on Thursday morning condemning the conduct of some Brazilian media following the discovery of the body.

"We are disgusted that photos of the body have been published my media outlets and sent directly via text to family members by Brazilian journalists, asking us to confirm the identity," the statement said.

"It goes without saying that this crosses many professional and personal boundaries."

The discovery of the body at Guaratiba beach follows Brazilian police abandoning a search of waters off Rio for Hunt's body after a fisherman reported spotting Hunt alone on an island a kilometer off shore.

It was revealed last week that Hunt and his traveling partner, Mitchell Sheppard, might have ingested NBOMe, a synthetic psychedelic drug, known to cause extreme paranoia.

Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said there has not yet been confirmation of the identity of the body.

"I'm not in a position to confirm that the reports of the body are indeed Mr Hunt, but as soon as we have any information from the authorities in Brazil we provide it to the families," she said in a press conference on Thursday.

"But this is obviously a very difficult time for them and we are providing the family with consular support."

Hunt's uncle and girlfriend flew to Rio last week to assist with the search. Endit