The families of two West Australian surfers missing in Mexico hold grave fears for their safety, amid reports two bodies were found in a burnt-out van similar to the one the men were travelling in.

Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman were travelling in a van towards Guadalajara, but failed to arrive at their destination by November 21 as planned.

Key points: Reports two bodies were found in burnt-out van similar to the one missing surfers were travelling in

Reports two bodies were found in burnt-out van similar to the one missing surfers were travelling in Local police have not confirmed identification of bodies

Local police have not confirmed identification of bodies Torched van found in state of Sinaloa — one of the most dangerous and violent places in Mexico

A media outlet in Mexico said two bodies had been found in a burnt-out Chevrolet van matching the description of the one the men were travelling, but local police have not confirmed or denied if they are the Australians.

Mexican authorities will run DNA tests on the two charred bodies and the girlfriends of the men are helping with DNA testing, an official told Reuters.

The official from Sinaloa's local prosecutor's office said the bodies were too charred to identify.

A photo of the burnt van shows a bicycle on the back and a spare tyre, similar to the one the men took on their road trip. Local reporters have told the ABC food tins and cooking utensils were also found in the van.

"Nothing is confirmed, it's just a similar van," Dean Lucas's girlfriend Josie Cox told the ABC.

"[It's] most likely theirs but I'm keeping positive it's not."

The torched van was found in the state of Sinaloa — one of the most dangerous and violent places in Mexico, home to powerful gangs and drug cartels.

The US State Department has advised people not to travel there outside of one major city, and says travelling on anything other than major toll roads is especially dangerous

Kemel Osmanhodzic, a close friend of Mr Coleman, told triple j's Hack he was hoping for the "world's biggest miracle".

He described his friend as someone for whom "there was no such thing as a bad world or bad people".

"In the 10 years I knew him I did not see him in bad mood for more than two minutes," he said.

He said if it turned out his friend had died, he "hoped it was quick".

"You just can't speculate. That's the hardest part," he said.

Gareth Taylor, another close friend who has known both men since they were 16 years old, thanked everyone involved in the search.

"The sheer number of people that are assisting by spreading and sharing information, and offering support is staggering and very much appreciated," he said.

Missing Australian surfer, Adam Coleman failed to arrive at their destination by November 21 as planned. ( Facebook: Josie Cox )

The families of the two men earlier said they were aware the van had been found and that a "tragic event" had occurred, but still did not know exactly what had happened.

"The families and partners are aware the van in which they were travelling has been located by Mexican authorities and that a tragic event has occurred," the families said in a statement released by DFAT on Sunday.

"The families hold deep fears for the safety of their sons but stress that they are still waiting for details to be confirmed."

Family and friends have paid tribute to the men on social media.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it "is providing consular assistance to families in Australia who are seeking to establish the welfare of other family members in Mexico."

"Due to privacy reasons we will not be making further comment."

Missing Australian surfer Dean Lucas and girlfriend Josie Cox. ( Facebook: Josie Cox )

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