The family of a Brussels based British journalist, who went missing in Costa Rica six months ago, have extended their search to Panama.

Michael Dixon 33,disappeared while on holiday in Costa Rica. The family has launched an urgent appeal to find out what has happened to him. He was last seen on October 1, 2009 leaving his hotel, the Villa Macondo in Tamarindo.
Extensive searches by the family, led by his brother David have turned up no leads as to what may have happened to Michael. His hotel room was undisturbed and his belongings were intact.
He is the second missing visitor to Costa Rica in recent years. The other was from the United States. Five years ago an Australian tourist was found dead, with the police unable to provide information about how he died.
While there are indications that Michael was the victim of a crime the local police investigation has so far not produced any answers.
Family members spent a month in Costa Rica trying to find out what happened and conducting extensive sea, land and air searches. They have also pasted a video on YouTube and have posters available for distribution But appeals for information and a reward have also produced no answers.
The family finances have been stretched and they have been forced to appeal for financial support in their ongoing quest led by brother David, now back in London.
The case of Manchester born Michael has similarities with the unconnected disappearances of David Gimelfarb from the United States who went missing in 2009 while holidaying in Guanacaste.
In 2005 Australian tourist Brendan Dobbins was found dead in this area, his family are still searching for clues has to how he died.
David told Newsroom that Michael went to Costa Rica for a 10 day holiday, He landed in San Jose on October 13, 2009, andwentmissing five days later. The hotel alerted the UK embassy on Oct 21. The family were not aware of his disappearance on October 26 when he failed to show up for work.
David has issued a call to any Panamanians who might have information tha could help locate his brother.: “Michael is very popular and has friends all over the world. There is now a large hole in all our lives and we just want to know what has happened to him. I appeal for anybody who thinks they have any information to get in touch.”
More information about the search can be found on www.helpfindmichaeldixon.com