The search for British broadcaster Michael Mosley continues after he went missing while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi.
Mosley, known for his TV programs and Just One Thing podcast on BBC Radio 4, was last seen on Wednesday.
He had set off for a walk to the island’s center. Local police paused their search late Thursday but resumed with reinforcements on Friday morning.
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The search team now includes 25 members, comprising police officers, divers, volunteers, and firefighters. A helicopter was deployed from Athens around 19:00 local time (17:00 BST) and is being utilized in the ongoing search. Drones and a police sniffer dog are also assisting in covering hard-to-reach areas.
Greek authorities reported that Mosley left his wife, Clare, on the beach before embarking on his walk. His phone was found in their accommodation, and Clare reported him missing.
Mosley, aged 67, is widely recognized for his BBC shows such as Trust Me, I’m A Doctor and The One Show, along with ITV’s This Morning. He is also known for promoting the 5:2 and Fast 800 diets, which focus on intermittent fasting and low-carb meals. His Just One Thing podcast has garnered 25 million listeners globally, with a TV version announced earlier this year.
After initial searches by local officers proved fruitless, assistance was requested from the Greek fire department in Athens. Firefighters arrived from Rhodes at 14:00 on Thursday, and officers are now examining CCTV footage for clues.
The rescue efforts are concentrated in the Pedi area of Symi after a witness reported seeing Mosley there on Wednesday, according to Ilias Chaskas, the island’s deputy mayor. Divers are also being deployed with the help of the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Eleftherios Papakalodoukas, Symi’s mayor, expressed skepticism about Mosley’s presence on the island, noting that if something had happened to him in such a populated area, he would have likely been found by now. He speculated that Mosley might have either taken an alternative route or fallen into the sea.
A missing person alert, featuring a photo of Mosley in a blue cap, polo shirt, and shorts, was posted on a local Facebook group on Wednesday. The post noted that Mosley had set off from Agios Nikolaos beach around 13:30 but failed to return.
Temperatures in Symi soared above 40C on Wednesday, as recorded by the National Observatory of Athens, complicating the search efforts. Symi, part of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Rhodes and had a population of about 2,600 in the 2021 census. Its beaches are mostly remote, and visitors are typically advised to use boats to reach them.
Local residents are puzzled by Mosley’s disappearance. Antonis and his daughter Maria, lifelong residents of Symi, expressed their shock, noting that it’s rare for someone to get lost on the small island. Speculation among locals includes the possibility that Mosley might have fallen into the water, although Antonis pointed out that the most dangerous areas lead to land, not the sea.
Symi resident Dawn, a friend of the person Mosley was staying with, mentioned that the route Mosley would have taken is a manageable 20-minute walk down the side of a mountain, commonly trekked by tourists.
She highlighted the unusual aspect of Mosley embarking on such a hike without his phone in extreme heat. Dawn expressed concern and hope for Mosley’s safe return.
Temperatures on Symi are expected to hit around 37C on Friday, prompting a yellow high temperature warning. The combination of intense heat and challenging terrain adds difficulty to the ongoing search. A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed support for Mosley’s family and communication with local authorities.
Mosley, who initially trained as a doctor in London, has spent the past couple of decades as a presenter, documentary maker, journalist, and author. He also writes a column for the Daily Mail and has hosted the Channel 4 show Michael Mosley: Who Made Britain Fat? Mosley and his wife, Clare Bailey Mosley, also a doctor and healthy living advocate, have four children.
The couple recently appeared at the Hay Festival, where Mosley presented a special edition of Just One Thing.
The news of Mosley’s disappearance has elicited a strong reaction. His Trust Me, I’m A Doctor co-star, Dr. Saleyha Ahsan, expressed her deep concern and hopes for his safe return. On The One Show, presenter Alex Jones conveyed the team’s worries, sending thoughts to Mosley’s family and hoping for positive news soon.
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