Two Photogs Presumed Dead In Tsunami Disaster

At least two professional photographers are missing and presumed dead in the Asian tsunami that killed more than 155,000 people.

New York-based interiors photographer Fernando Bengoechea and British fashion photographer Simon Atlee went missing December 26 from Sri Lanka and Thailand, respectively. Family and friends of both lost hope after about a week that the photographers would be found alive.

Bengoechea, 39, and his traveling companion, Nate Berkus, an interior designer from Chicago, were vacationing in Sri Lanka when the giant waves struck. As the water carried them out to sea, Bengoechea and Berkus grabbed onto a telephone pole but were ripped away when a second wave hit.

Berkus scrambled to safety on a rooftop, but Bengoechea did not.

On January 6, Bengoechea's family released a statement saying that since they had still not heard from him, "we are forced to presume Fernando died in the tsunami. We believe everything that could be done has been. This is a difficult thing to say, comprehend, and accept. We are sure there will always be a bit of hope in our hearts." The statement went on to thank Bengoechea's family and friends for their support.

Bengoechea was born in Buenos Aires and raised in Brazil before moving to New York to study photography and cinematography. His work has appeared in several magazines, including Elle Decor, House & Garden, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Flair.

Cary Leitzes, photography director of Harper's Bazaar, said Fernando "had a great spirit and infectious enthusiasm. His curiosity for people was limitless, and so was his work."

Bengoechea also worked frequently for Town & Country, whose editor, Pamela Fiori, called him "one of our best photographers."

Atlee, 33, was vacationing at the Thai resort Khao Lak with his girlfriend, model Petra Nemcova, when he disappeared. Nemcova survived by clinging to the top of a palm tree for eight hours despite a broken pelvis and other internal injuries.

Atlee and Nemcova began dating two years ago and often collaborated professionally. Atlee had recently photographed Nemcova for her 2005 calendar in the waters off the south of France.

Born in London, Atlee studied graphic design at Middlesex University. After assisting several fashion photographers, he launched his own career in 1999. His clients included GQ, Arena, Russian Glamour, Miss Selfridge, Laura Ashley and designers Julien Macdonald and Sara Berman.

A message on the Web site of Atlee's agent, Pearce Stoner Associates, stated that the photographer is one of the people confirmed missing by the British Foreign Office. A book of condolences was made available at the agent's London office.