Greek authorities have launched a large-scale search operation after a British tourist disappeared from a beach while on holiday in Kavala, northern Greece.
Michele Ann Joy Bourda, 59, was last seen around midday on Friday at Ofrynio Beach. A Silver Alert has been issued after initial attempts to locate her were unsuccessful, the London Evening Standard reports. Officials have confirmed they believe her life may be at risk.
Bourda was reportedly visiting the beach with her husband, who was asleep when she is believed to have gone missing. Local reports suggest her personal belongings were left behind on the beach, deepening concerns about her sudden disappearance.
The Hellenic Coast Guard has confirmed that a sea-based search is ongoing, with support from local police and rescue teams. Bourda was last seen wearing a beaded two-piece swimsuit, yellow beach shoes, and red sunglasses. She is described as being 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, with blue eyes and shoulder-length hair, according to The Sun.
Authorities continue to search the surrounding area by land and sea, and the British Embassy in Athens has been notified.
The incident is the latest in a string of troubling cases involving British tourists in Greece this summer. Last month, a 60-year-old British man went missing from the island of Karpathos, The Times. His rental car was found locked in a remote area near Avlonas, prompting a search involving police, firefighters, and coast guard personnel. He had been staying in nearby Olympos.
In a separate incident, a 73-year-old British holidaymaker died last week while sunbathing in Agia Paraskevi on the island of Skiathos. He was found unresponsive by other beachgoers, and despite prolonged efforts by a lifeguard and local doctor, he could not be revived.
Earlier in July, a 68-year-old British man died while swimming off the coast of Rhodes. He reportedly lost consciousness in the water near the popular tourist spot of Lindos. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby medical center, where he was pronounced dead.
Last August, a 71-year-old British tourist also died after being pulled unconscious from the sea in Greece.
Search efforts for Michele Bourda remain ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances of her disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities.