BEACH BOYS - BRIAN WILSON SEARCHES FOR LOST CELLIST

Former BEACH BOYS star BRIAN WILSON has launched a desperate bid to find a cellist pal lost in the wake of the tsunami tragedy in South Asia.

Swedish musician MARKUS SANDLUND joined the pop icon for the recording and subsequent tour of his acclaimed SMILE album.

In a statement released late yesterday (04JAN04), Wilson explains Sandlund and his girlfriend were vacationing in Thailand when the tsunami crashed into the coastline - and he hasn't been heard from since.

Wilson says, "I have been devastated since I heard the news that Markus is missing in Thailand. We have sent an agent to see what we can find out, but as of today we have been unable to locate Marcus in the area.

"If there is anyone out there who might know Markus' whereabouts please contact info@brianwilson.com.

"My prayers go out to all of the victims and their families and I would ask you to say a prayer for Markus' safe return."

Meanwhile, talk show queen OPRAH WINFREY has reportedly hired a group of former US Marines to help her designer pal NATE BERKUS find his missing partner.