Search for missing pensioner called off
A GROUP of Welsh volunteers have been stood down after spending seven days searching for a missing Bridgend pensioner on the Greek island of Zante.
John Tossell, 73, went for a walk to the monastery on Mount Skopos near the village of Argassi in Zante on Monday, June 17, but did not return.
Since then, the family of the Bridgend pensioner travelled more than 2,000 miles to search for him and a fundraising page was set up to help them raise money to send out members of Western Beacons Mountain Rescue to carry on the search for Mr Tossell.
On Friday, June 28, six members of Western Beacons Mountain Rescue flew to Zante, with additional teams following in the days after.
The volunteers worked with the Greek authorities in continuing the search and, after a week, have reluctantly stood down.
A spokesman for the Western Beacons Mountain Rescue said: “After an extensive search we have today stood down activity on the island of Zakinthos in relation to the search for missing British man John Tossell, and our 13 volunteers will now return to the UK.
“Thank you to the families and employers who have supported our involvement. Our team members have been thanked by local authorities for making an invaluable contribution.
“Sadly, John’s whereabouts remain unknown. We would like to thank the local fire, police and volunteer rescue teams for all their help and support.
“We were honoured as a charity to help support a family of our local community by assisting in the search for John, and our thoughts are with John’s relatives at this difficult time.”
The investigations into Mr Tossell’s disappearance will continue with the Greek authorities.