Greek authorities have intensified efforts to locate a British woman who mysteriously disappeared from a beach in northern Greece while her husband reportedly slept nearby.
59-year-old Michele Ann Bourda was last seen on Ofryni Beach in Kavala on Friday. According to local reports, she had been lounging on a sunbed next to her husband. However, when he awoke around midday, she had vanished without a trace.
Frantic Search Continues
Despite extensive search efforts across both land and sea, there has been no sign of Michele. Her disappearance triggered an immediate response from Greek emergency services and her concerned family members.
Over the weekend, the operation ramped up with:
- Three recreational vessels
- Five local fishing boats
- Two patrol craft are actively scouring the area.
“Three days may have elapsed, but there are no plans to call off the operation yet,” a coastguard official told The Guardian.
Public Appeal as Fears Grow
With no developments as of Sunday, Lifeline Hellas, a Greek charity focused on missing persons, issued a desperate appeal via social media.
“Her life is in danger. If you know anything, contact the Silver Alert service, 24 hours a day, at the National SOS Line 1065.” The situation remains critical, and the emotional toll on the family is rising by the hour.
Description and Last Known Appearance
Michele is described as:
- Slim build
- 5ft 7in tall
- Shoulder-length blonde hair
- Hazel eyes
At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a two-piece swimsuit decorated with rhinestones, yellow beach shoes, and red sunglasses.
Embassy Involvement and Background
The UK embassy in Athens has also shared the alert, urging anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who is missing in Greece and are in contact with local authorities.”
Local media reports suggest Michele had been living with her husband, believed to be of Greek descent, in Serres, a city not far from the beach where she vanished.
As the search enters its fourth day, concern is growing over Michele’s safety. Greek coastguard units remain active in the area, but time is becoming a critical factor in the race to find her.
Authorities continue to urge holidaymakers, beachgoers, and locals to remain alert and report any potential sightings or relevant information immediately.
