A British Woman Disappears in Greece Amid Ongoing Search Efforts
A British woman, Michele Ann Joy Bourda, 59, went missing in Greece five days ago, leaving her husband and local authorities searching for answers. The last known image of Mrs. Bourda shows her with her husband, Christos, just three hours before she vanished. The couple was seen enjoying a relaxing moment on the beach in Kavala, a city in northern Greece.
According to reports, Mrs. Bourda had been swimming at Ofrynio beach around noon on Friday when she disappeared. Her husband, who is Greek, was asleep at the time. When he woke up, he found that his wife was no longer by his side. He approached the owners of a nearby shop and shared that his wife “was not very well” and had health issues.
The shop owner revealed that Mrs. Bourda’s husband mentioned that she had previously gone missing before. This statement raised concerns about her well-being and possible vulnerability. Despite this, the couple had spent several hours together at the beach earlier in the day, which made the sudden disappearance even more alarming.
Authorities have since launched a search operation, with police conducting land searches and the Hellenic Coast Guard scouring the sea. However, the central port authority in Kavala has paused its targeted search and rescue efforts. A Silver Alert was issued, as it is typically used for elderly individuals, especially those with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
A fitness instructor reportedly saw a woman resembling Mrs. Bourda swimming in deep waters and urged her to stay close to shore. Unfortunately, this warning did not prevent her disappearance. Her belongings were left behind on the sunlounger, adding to the mystery surrounding her fate.
Neighbors Describe a Quiet but Adventurous Couple
Neighbors in Glasgow, where Mrs. Bourda and her husband had lived for about six years, described her as timid but adventurous. She was often seen walking with her husband, carrying backpacks and preparing for outdoor excursions. They would go on long walks, wild swimming trips, and explore nature together.
One neighbor said: “They’ve got bikes, and are quite active. They like to go walking, they like to go wild swimming. They would go, and they would often be away for the whole day in the summer.”
Despite their active lifestyle, the couple kept to themselves and were known for being private. Their son, who studies in Glasgow, was the reason they moved there. They were retired and tended to travel together, even though they owned two cars.
Details About the Disappearance
Mrs. Bourda was last seen wearing a rhinestone-embellished two-piece beaded swimsuit, yellow beach shoes, and red horn-rimmed sunglasses. She was described as 5ft 6in tall, slim, with blue eyes and shoulder-length hair.
The Greek missing persons charity, Lifeline Hellas, issued a Silver Alert after police failed to locate her. The alert warned that her life was in danger and encouraged anyone with information to contact the National SOS Line 24/7 at 1065.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over missing British tourists in foreign countries. Earlier this year, a 60-year-old British tourist went missing in Greece, and his car was found abandoned in extreme heat. In Spain, a 41-year-old woman disappeared from a tourist hotspot, prompting an urgent search.
Broader Concerns Over Tourist Safety
Last year, at least ten foreign tourists were found dead or went missing in Greece while hiking, often due to high temperatures. These incidents have raised questions about safety measures for travelers, particularly in remote areas.
In Turkey, a tragic case involved an elderly British man who went missing near ancient tombs. After a three-day search, his body was found, and an investigation is ongoing to determine how he disappeared.
These events highlight the importance of vigilance, especially for elderly or vulnerable individuals traveling abroad. Authorities continue to work closely with families and local communities to ensure the safety of all visitors.