The Irish family of a woman missing in Ibiza for the past 12 days remain “confident” of finding her alive.

Michaella McCollum Connolly was working as a nightclub hostess in the Spanish island before she disappeared. The lingerie model had been living in North Belfast before leaving for the party island on her own in June.

Known as Kayla to friends, the young woman, who is in her early 20s, has not been in touch with family or friends via phone or Facebook for a week and a half, which they say, is completely out of character.

A message posting by her sister Samantha on Facebook on Tuesday stated they had contacted all relevant authorities.

“To everyone who is supporting us and sending kind messages, I just want you all to know that we are confident that we will find Michaella’s whereabouts.

“The relevant authorities have now took control of this and we will."

The social networking appeal via Facebook has gone viral.

It read: “Her phone is off and her Facebook page has had no activity.

“Michaella has been living in Ibiza in San Antonio bay for the last few weeks.

“The last reports of Michaella was that she may have been in Barcelona or Madrid.

“These reports may or may not be true!

“Michaella would have contacted home at least every 2/3 days to let us know she was ok.

“None of Michaella’s new friends in Ibiza have been able to contact her also.

“The proper authorities have notified and helping to trace her whereabouts.

“Michaella comes from a very close and loving family and we are all extremely worried that she hasn’t been in contact, and that we cannot contact her.

“If anybody has seen or has any information at all, please contact us or the authorities. ASAP.”

One of Michaella’s friends, Sophia Turner (20) from Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, told the Tyrone Times, “She’s a lovely girl, very fun-loving and independent. I just hope she’s all right. She was so excited about going to Ibiza but I said to her to make sure and keep herself safe. It’s not something that I think I would do on my own.”

Turner added: "I can't believe the response her sister's appeal for information has received on Facebook. The picture that I shared of her on my own page has had 12,000 views already and over 200 shares.

"I just hope it helps and she's back home again soon."

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had been in contact with the woman's family and were "providing consular assistance" in locating her.