Rescue team members have ended their search for the missing walker. Photo: Western Beacons MSRT
A group of south Wales rescuers will return from a Greek isle after an unsuccessful search for a missing British holidaymaker.
Western Beacons Mountain Search and Rescue Team flew out to Zante to aid the hunt for Bridgend man John Tossell who went missing in June.
A GoFundMe page was set up by his family to pay for a group of his local rescue team members to use their skills in the continued search for Mr Tossell.
Thirteen rescuers flew out to the island but have returned without finding Mr Tossell on Mount Skopos. On Friday 28 June six members of Western Beacons mountain rescue flew to Zante, with additional teams that followed in the days after. The volunteers said they have worked with the Greek authorities in continuing the search for the missing holidaymaker and after seven days have reluctantly stood down.
A team spokesperson said: “After an extensive search we have today stood down activity on the island of Zakynthos 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.
A total of 13 team members joined the search for Mr Tossell. Photo: Western Beacons MSRT
“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.”
Mr Tossell failed to return to his holiday hotel and his waiting partner Gillian after heading out for a walk to visit a monastery near the top of Mount Skopos on the Ionian island of Zante on 17 June.
Greek authorities searched without success for the 73-year-old and his family began fundraising for the Western Beacons mission.
A team spokesperson said the investigations into Mr Tossell’s disappearance will continue with the Greek Authorities.
