Search intensifies for missing British woman in northern Greece

Tuesday 05 August 2025 - 11:30

Greek authorities have ramped up their efforts to find a British woman who mysteriously disappeared from a beach in northern Greece. Michele Bourda, 59, was last seen on August 1st resting on a sunbed at Ofrynio beach, near the town of Kavala.

The Hellenic coastguard, assisted by private boats and fishing vessels, continues to search the Strymonian Gulf by sea, while police units carry out a parallel land-based operation. “We’re still fully engaged in the search,” said one coastguard officer. “There’s no plan to stop anytime soon.”

Bourda, described as a temporary resident of Serres, was reported missing by her Greek husband, who found her gone after a short nap. Her personal belongings were still on her sunbed.

In response, the Greek missing persons organization LifeLine Hellas issued a silver alert, commonly used when people with memory-related conditions go missing. The organization described her as 5'6" tall, slim, wearing a swimsuit with decorative stones, yellow water shoes, and red plastic sunglasses. “Her life is at serious risk,” the alert stated. The British embassy in Athens has echoed the appeal for help.

Despite three days of intense efforts, no trace of her has been found. Officials said a decision on whether to continue the sea operation into Tuesday would be taken soon, though land searches and routine maritime patrols would proceed regardless.

Bourda is not the only British citizen to vanish in Greece this summer. Jay Arnold, 60, disappeared last month while on holiday in Karpathos. Despite drones, dogs, and volunteer searches, no clues have surfaced. Last year, UK TV doctor Michael Mosley died on Symi island after going missing during a hike, with heatstroke listed as the probable cause.

With its stunning coastline and rising summer heat, Ofrynio remains a popular destination. However, recent disappearances have added a layer of concern for both locals and tourists.