A Dutchman missing in the Algerian desert with 30 other tourists has been kidnapped, the Netherlands said yesterday, raising fears the entire group is being held captive.

The tourists vanished while heading into the vast deserts of southern Algeria, an area known for its archaeological sites and as a haven for arms smugglers and drug traffickers.

The missing include 15 Germans, 10 Austrians, four Swiss, a Swede and the Dutchman. They had been travelling in seven separate groups.

Until now, European governments have refused to say what they think has happened to the tourists.

"We can confirm Arjen Hilbers has been kidnapped," said a Dutch foreign ministry spokesman.

In Austria, the head of a crisis group dealing with the disappearances said Algerian authorities had told him they had found a written message from the missing Europeans.

Austria and Germany have sent police to Algeria to liaise with local officials searching for the tourists. Reuters