Search Underway for TV Presenter Michael Mosley Missing in Greece
Television presenter Michael Mosley, renowned for popularizing the 5:2 diet, has gone missing while vacationing on the Greek island of Symi.
A comprehensive search and rescue operation is in progress, utilizing a police dog, a drone, and a helicopter dispatched from Athens. Greek police reported that Mosley left his wife on the beach on Wednesday and embarked on a walk to the island’s center. His phone was discovered at their accommodation, and his wife subsequently reported him missing.
The 67-year-old broadcaster is famous for his work on the BBC series “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor,” and appearances on “The One Show” and ITV’s “This Morning.”
Search Efforts Intensify
After local officers couldn’t locate Mosley, assistance was requested from the Greek fire department in Athens. Firefighters arrived in Symi from Rhodes on Thursday afternoon. The search team, including firefighters, volunteers, police officers, a police dog, and a drone, is focusing on the Pedi area, where a local woman reported seeing Mosley on Wednesday.
The island’s deputy mayor, Ilias Chaskas, highlighted that the area is perilous, although the sighting was in a safer part of Pedi. Symi’s mayor, Eleftherios Papakalodoukas, expressed doubt that Mosley remained in the densely populated and monitored area, suggesting he might have taken an alternative path or fallen into the sea.
Community and Official Response
A local Facebook group posted an appeal with Mosley’s photo, noting he was last seen wearing a blue cap, polo shirt, and shorts. The post mentioned he set off from Agios Nikolaos beach around 13:30 and failed to return. With temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) on Wednesday, the extreme heat and rocky terrain have complicated the search efforts.
Symi’s Geography and Weather
Symi, part of Greece’s Dodecanese island group, lies about 19 km northwest of Rhodes and has a population of approximately 2,600. The island’s beaches are mostly remote, accessible by boat, and the terrain near Agios Nikolaos beach is particularly challenging for hikers.
Official Statements and Background
A Foreign Office spokesperson stated, “We are supporting the family of a British man missing in Greece and are in contact with local authorities.” Mosley, who studied medicine in London, transitioned to a career as a presenter, documentary maker, journalist, and author, earning accolades such as an Emmy for the BBC documentary “The Human Face.”
Mosley’s notable works include the documentary “Infested! Living With Parasites,” where he lived with tapeworms for six weeks, and TV programs on diet and exercise like “Michael Mosley: Who Made Britain Fat?” He advocates for intermittent fasting diets, including the 5:2 diet and The Fast 800 diet.
Mosley and his wife, Clare Bailey Mosley, a doctor, author, and healthy living advocate, recently appeared at the Hay Festival for a special edition of his BBC Radio 4 series “Just One Thing.”
Reactions and Prayers
Reacting to the distressing news, Mosley’s “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor” co-star Dr. Saleyha Ahsan expressed her concern, saying she is “praying he is found safe” and feels “sick with worry.” Presenter Jeremy Vine also conveyed his prayers for Mosley’s safe return, while Alex Jones of “The One Show” expressed the team’s concern and hope for positive news, extending thoughts to Mosley’s wife Clare and family.
