British Woman Missing in Greece Found Dead After Month-Long Search
A tragic story has emerged from Greece, where a British woman, Michele Bourda, 59, who disappeared from a sunbed last month, has sadly been found dead. Michele had been on holiday with her husband Chris, 66, enjoying some much-needed relaxation on Ofrynio Beach in the city of Kavala. The disappearance happened on August 1, while Chris had dozed off nearby. When he woke, Michele was gone, leaving behind her glasses, medication, and towel—a chilling sign that something had gone terribly wrong.
The search for Michele was immediately launched, but her husband has spoken openly about the frustration he felt during the process. Chris criticized local authorities for what he described as delayed action, saying that the harbour police did not start the search until late at night. Rescue boats, he explained, were only deployed in the early hours the next day to avoid disturbing tourists. He also refuted rumors spread by some officials that Michele had disappeared with an unknown man, insisting that these claims were “rubbish.”
Also Read:Michele had long struggled with anxiety and depression, and she had previously gone missing in London after facing redundancy. Despite her health challenges, she had seemed happy on that fateful day. The couple had gone for a brief swim, enjoyed the windy waves, and then returned to their sunbeds for a rest. Michele had even ordered some crepes, chatting happily with Chris about their future together. Tragically, that conversation would be their last peaceful moment.
A month after Michele vanished, her husband confirmed the heartbreaking news that her body had been discovered on Fidonisi, a small private island about 25 miles down the coast. While formal identification is still pending, authorities are reported to be “99% sure” that it is Michele. Chris described his reaction as a mix of grief and resignation, saying, “Sadly I was expecting this.”
The couple had been married for 36 years, having met at university in Germany, and were enjoying a six-week holiday after visiting family. Chris recalled their recent conversations with a heavy heart, noting that Michele had spoken about their happiness and their hopes for many more years together.
The British Embassy in Athens was contacted, and Chris lodged a complaint about the handling of the search. He described feeling abandoned, observing police officers apparently unconcerned while sitting under the shade or wandering without urgency.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of how fragile life can be, even in moments that seem calm and carefree. Michele Bourda’s disappearance and subsequent death have left a devastating impact on her family, and her story has resonated with many who followed the case, highlighting both personal tragedy and questions about the effectiveness of local emergency responses.
Read More:
0 Comments