Michael Mosley found dead after major search operation on Greek island

Oliver Trapnell

By Oliver Trapnell


Published: 09/06/2024

- 09:08

Updated: 09/06/2024

- 12:39

The operation to find the TV doctor began on Wednesday

Michael Mosley has been found dead on the Greek island of Symi after a lengthy search operation.

The BBC presenter was found near the entrance to a cave and just a short walk from a major beach, the mayor of the island has said.



In a news conference, Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas said Mosley was found dead just 10 meters away from the Agia Marina beach.

The body was spotted by a Greek TV crew that had hired a boat to film in the area.

GB News understands the body was found near a fence that separates the beach area from a rocky outcrop.


Michael Mosley Michael Mosley found dead after major search operation on Greek islandBBC
Michael Mosley searchEmergency services on a boat at Agia Marina in Symi, Greece, where a body has been discovered during a search and rescue operation for TV doctor and columnist Michael MosleyPA
\u200b\u200bMichael Mosley: A body was found near a fenceMichael Mosley: A body was found near a fencePA

According to the mayor of Symi: “The body was found on land 10 meters from the beach, next to a plot fence, which is why it had not been found for so many days.

“The man crossed the entire route, reached his destination and 10 meters from the beach he tripped, fell... I don't know what to say... 200 people are on this beach every day and many boats come and go every day,” Papakalodoukas told Greek outlet SKAI.

Mosley was reported missing on Wednesday after setting off on a walk from Saint Nikolas Beach at about 1.30pm local time but failed to return home.

Papakaloudoukas said Mosley most likely died of heat stroke and exhaustion.

A police source told the BBC the person had been dead “for a number of days”.

Mosley's wife Clare Bailey revealed to the Mail on Sunday that the TV doctor was last seen with a “khaki backpack and had his wallet, a bottle of water and a watch”.

He added that the area Mosley is believed to have travelled through is “difficult to pass” and is “only rocks” and is home to “loads” of snakes.

Emergency workers were searching for the 67-year-old in around 40C heat for four days.

\u200bMichael Mosley: Map showing where the body was foundMichael Mosley: Map showing where the body was foundPA
Rescue crews on Symi in search of Michael Mosley

Rescue operations to find the 67-year-old began on Wednesday

PA

Michael Mosely searchA general view of Agia Marina in Symi, Greece, where a body has been discovered during a search and rescue operation for TV doctor and columnist Michael MosleyPA

Locals told the Sun that the body was found with an umbrella close to a dangerous cave complex known to locals as ‘The Abyss’.

The remains are awaiting formal identification.

Mosley was best known for popularising the 5:2 diet and for his appearances on The One Show and This Morning.

Michael MosleyMichael Mosley was captured on CCTV footage on the day he went missing

MEGA TV

\u200bMichael Mosley: Tsavaris said 'They saw the body with the boat'Michael Mosley: Tsavaris said 'They saw the body with the boat'PA

Mosley was married to wife Clare Bailey, who is also a doctor, health columnist and author, and has four children.

In a statement released yesterday, Bailey said the past few days had been “unbearable” and thanked all those involved in the effort to find her husband.

She said: “It has been three days since Michael left the beach to go for a walk.

“The longest and most unbearable days for myself and my children.”

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