Newton-John partner 'alive and well'

The former boyfriend of Olivia Newton-John who was thought to have drowned at sea faked his own death, it has been claimed.

According to US investigators, Patrick McDermott is currently travelling along the coast of South America to avoid paying his debts and to allow his son to collect his life insurance policy.

McDermott was dating the Grease actress around the time of his disappearance on a fishing boat called The Freedom in June 2005, the Daily Mail reports.

Lead investigator Philip Klein told NBC show Dateline that his agency was close to finding Newton-John's former partner.

"He's alive - there's no doubt in my mind, this guy's alive," he said.