A body has been found in the rescue operation for missing TV doctor Michael Mosley - who vanished near a hiking trail on a stunning Greek island – it has been reported.
Drones were deployed earlier this week as part of the search and rescue mission in Symi, one of Greece's Dodecanese Islands. Mosley, known for his appearances on The One Show and This Morning, and fronting of documentaries was on holiday with his wife Clare at the time.
The search then turned to a network of caves known locally as The Abyss, and it is believed a body was found by search staff on Sunday morning nearby, reportedly with an umbrella. There has not been a formal identification of the remains.
The mayor of Symi earlier warned that areas searched so far featured "loads" of snakes. An extreme weather warning was also issued as temperatures soared into the 40s.
Anders Anglesey
Michael Mosley's co-presenter praises doctor as 'national treasure'
Michael Mosley’s co-presenter on Trust Me, I’m A Doctor has described him as a “national treasure” and a “hugely talented” man, after a body was found in the search for the broadcaster who went missing on the Greek island of Symi on Wednesday.
Speaking to BBC News, Dr Saleyha Ahsan said: “Michael’s a national treasure and he’s so personable.”
She recalled how Mosley put her “to ease” while she was doing an on-camera audition for the BBC series which looked at health care in Britain.
Dr Ahsan said: “I can now appreciate that’s a one-off, not everyone is able to make other people feel so at ease with lights and cameras in front of them.
“But then to forget about all of that and just to focus on the science, on the story, on the message that we’re trying to get out, is such a talented man, hugely talented.”
She also praised his “passion for explaining science to a wider audience”, adding: “Making it accessible to anyone and everyone, not just a niche scientific crowd, but to everyone.”
Anders Anglesey
Coroner called 'to rule out criminal act' as body found
A coroner is on his way to the Greek island of Symi after a body was found in the search for missing TV presenter Michael Mosley.
Greek Police spokeswoman Konstantia Dimoglidou told the BBC: “At this moment, a coroner is heading to Symi because we have to completely rule out the possibility that this was the result of a criminal act. “
Read more: Michael Mosley: Greek coroner speeding to Symi after body found 'to rule out criminal act'
Anders Anglesey
Chilling clue that led search teams to body
A key clue helped authorities understand they were on the right path during the search for Michael Mosley.
It was confirmed today that a body was found in the search for the missing TV star. Police arrived at Agia Marina about 20 minutes after the body was discovered lying face up close to the coastline.
The body was found alongside an umbrella, a key clue that helped officers know they were on the right track. Mosley was seen holding an umbrella when he was last seen on Wednesday afternoon.
Read more: Michael Mosley body found: Chilling clue that led search teams to discover remains
Anders Anglesey
Inside search for Michael Mosley as body found
Pictures show the extent of the massive five-day search for missing TV presenter Michael Mosley after it was confirmed a body had been found.
The body, which is yet to be formally identified, was found beneath a fence that runs around a bar on Agia Marina beach, which is surrounded by hilly, rocky terrain that runs down to the sea.
Photos from the search have been collected by The Mirror and show the extent of the rescue effort.
Read more: Michael Mosley: Inside tense Greece search as body found in hunt for missing TV star
Anders Anglesey
BBC News reporter shaken as she reveals body found
A BBC News presenter was left looking visibly shaken as she announced a body had been found during the search for Michael Mosley.
Martine Croxall appeared emotional as she said to camera: "We have reports from the Island of Symi in Greece that a body has been found in the search for the TV and radio presenter."
Read more: BBC News reporter shaken as she reveals live on air body found in search for Michael Mosley
Anders Anglesey
Ex-Labour deputy leader calls Michael Mosley 'hero' after body found
Tom Watson, the former deputy leader of the Labour Party, described Michael Mosley as a “hero” after a body, which is yet to be formally identified, was found during a search for the missing doctor and broadcaster, known for popularising the 5:2 diet.
“It’s hard to describe how upset I am by this news,” Mr Watson said posting on Twitter, formerly X.
“Through courageous, science-based journalism, Michael Mosley has helped thousands of people get well and healthy. I’m one of them.
“He was a hero to me. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Mr Watson said in an interview after losing around 7st that Mosley’s The Fast Diet book was part of his weight-loss regime.
It's hard to describe how upset I am by this news. Through courageous, science-based journalism, Michael Mosley has helped thousands of people get well and healthy. I'm one of them. He was a hero to me. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. https://t.co/5qi8OfSKRh
— Tom Watson (@tom_watson) June 9, 2024
Anders Anglesey
Cameraman who found body breaks down during interview
The cameraman who found a body during the search for TV presenter Michael Mosley has broken down in tears while addressing the star's family in an interview.
While speaking to Sky News after the body was found, local cameraman Antonios broke down in tears explaining how the body matched the description of Mosley.
Fighting through tears, he said: "The description is exactly that of the guy we were looking for. I'm really sorry for the family.
"I'm sorry that I'm the one to find him. I wish we had better news."
Read more: Cameraman who found body in search for Michael Mosley breaks down as he addresses star's family
Anders Anglesey
'My heart goes out to his family,' says TV presenter Alice Roberts
TV presenter and academic Alice Robers has shared a touching post on social media after a body was found in the search for Michael Mosley.
Roberts said in a post uploaded to X, formerly Twitter: "Extremely sad news from the Greek island of Symi where it seems the body of Michael Mosley has been found, after five days of searching for him. My heart goes out to his family."
Extremely sad news from the Greek island of Symi where it seems the body of Michael Mosley has been found, after 5 days of searching for him. My heart goes out to his family. https://t.co/AAYjCr8bPs
— Prof Alice Roberts (@theAliceRoberts) June 9, 2024
Anders Anglesey
Pictured: Umbrella found close to body in search for Michael Mosley
This is the crumpled umbrella that was found close to where the body was found during the search for Michael Mosley.
The umbrella, photographed on the other side of a fence, was found nestled between several rocks.
In his last confirmed sighting, Michael Mosley was seen holding an umbrella. There has been no formal identification of the body as of yet.
Anders Anglesey
Relentless heat 'unusual' for Greek island Symi
The sheer heat on the Greek island of Symi is "unusual" for this time of year, according to a British tourist.
Sindy Seenarine, 50, has visited Symi regularly for the past 14 years and commented about the "unusual" heat after the body found during the search for Michael Mosley was located close to shelter.
"We come here every year twice a year – that’s the tragedy to me, is he’s so close to shelter.
"This is the hottest it’s ever been since we’ve been coming here, July and August it’s hotter. We’ve never experienced this heat in Symi in June."
Anders Anglesey
Body found 'so close' to shelter, says Brit tourist
A British tourist has said the body found during the search for Michael Mosley was "so close" to shelter.
Sindy Seenarine, 50, who has visited Symi twice a year for 14 years said the high temperatures were unusual for this time of year.
She added: "The tragedy is he was so close to shelter, maybe he was desperately trying to get here?"
Read more: Michael Mosley: Tourist reveals 'tragedy' of missing TV star as body found 'so close to shelter'
Anders Anglesey
Officer injured as body found during search for Michael Mosley
A police officer working close to where the body was found in the search for Michael Mosley has been injured.
The police officer working at the scene near Agia Marina in Symi, fell on the rocky terrain during his work.
He was seen being carried off on a stretcher.
Anders Anglesey
Jamie Oliver shatters hearts with Michael Mosley statement
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has broken his followers' hearts as he released a statement paying tribute to Michael Mosley.
The statement, shared on Instagram, comes after a body was found in the search for TV presenter Mosley.
Oliver said: "Rest in peace Michael Mosley…. Absolutely devastating news about the sad loss of fellow tv presenter Micheal Mosley today.
"What a wonderfully sweet, kind and gentle man he was. he did such a lot of good for public health with his TV shows and research. He was a curious investigator, producer and presenter and often changed the conversation around many public health issues for the better.
"He will be sadly missed….love and thoughts to Claire and all of his family."
Read more: Jamie Oliver shatters hearts with Michael Mosley statement as body found
Anders Anglesey
Pictured: Search team near site where body found
This is the latest photo from the site close to where a body was found in the search for Michael Mosley.
The image shows three officials and three people wearing regular clothes stood close to a fence near to where the body was found.
One of the men appeared to be speaking on the phone and gesturing toward something downhill.
Anders Anglesey
Ranvir Singh's devastated Michael Mosley statement
Ranvir Singh has shared her devastation after a body was found in the search for This Morning presenter Michael Mosley.
Taking to Instagram today, the former Strictly star wrote: "Terribly sad news. Thank you for changing the lives of thousands of people - including mine - for the better."
While no formal identification has taken place, Symi Mayor Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas appeared to suggest the body was that of Mosley.
Read more: Ranvir Singh's devastated Michael Mosley statement as body found in search for star
Anders Anglesey
'You don't see dead body everyday, it's not a warzone,' says bar manager
Bar manager Ilias Tsavaris, 38, was stunned after he was alerted that there was a body near the Agia Marina beach.
"They saw it with the boat. The mayor came and saw something so that is when they called me and said ‘hey they saw something go and check there," he said, according to PA.
“They called me, they said ‘you know what we saw something from far away can you go and check’ so I went there.
“So when I walked up I saw something like a body to make sure. You don’t see a dead body everyday, it is not a warzone, it’s summer you are supposed to have fun and swimming.
“He came from Pedi OK, and he walked not through the restaurant. If he had walked through there (the bar) we would have checked the cameras.
He said “rescuers had searched that area everyday with helicopters”.
Anders Anglesey
Bar manager describes finding body during Michael Mosley search
A bar manager at Agia Marina on the Greek island of Symi has described the moment the body was found.
Ilias Tsavaris, 38, said he first saw the body found during the search for Michael Mosley on the Greek island of Symi, alongside journalists, after the island’s mayor “saw something” by the fence of the bar and alerted staff.
Read more: Michael Mosley: Symi bar owner who found body breaks silence with stunned 'warzone' comment
Anders Anglesey
Body was found along with umbrella
The body found during the search for Michael Mosley was located along with an umbrella.
According to PA, the body discovered beneath a fence that runs around the bar on Agia Marina beach on the Greek island of Symi was found along with an umbrella.
Michael Mosley was last seen carrying an umbrella during his last confirmed sighting on Wednesday. No formal identification of the body has been made.
Anders Anglesey
Formal announcement yet to be made after body found
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the body that was found following a huge search operation for Michael Mosley on the island of Symi.
While Symi mayor Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas appeared to suggest the body found was that of the TV doctor, a formal identification has yet to be made.
Anders Anglesey
Body dead 'for a number of days,' say Greek police
The body found in the search for TV presenter Michael Mosley has been dead for several days, Greek police said.
A police source told the BBC the deceased had been dead "for a number of days." It comes after Symi's mayor appeared to confirm the body that had been found was that of Mosley.
KEY EVENT
Symi mayor issues statement after body found
Symi mayor Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas has issued a statement following the discovery of a body during the search for Michael Mosley.
According to the BBC, the mayor said: "During our research, and as we were approaching a cave next to the Agia Marina beach, we were shooting along the coastline with cameras.
"We saw an object next to a fence on the beach and when we zoomed in we realised that it was Michael Mosley's body. He had probably fallen from a short cliff of about 10 metres."
Read more: Michael Mosley body found as Mayor of Symi gives major update about what happened to TV star
Anders Anglesey
Police find body in rocky area of Symi during search for TV doctor
Search teams on the island of Symi discovered a body in a rocky area beside Agia Marina on the Greek island of Symi while looking for Michael Mosley.
KEY EVENT
Body found in search for missing TV doctor on Symi
A body has been found in the search for missing TV doctor Michael Mosley.
It is understood a body was found by search teams on Sunday morning close to the system of caves known as The Abyss. There has not been a formal identification of the remains.
Read more: Michael Mosley: Body found in search for missing TV doctor on Greek island of Symi
Anders Anglesey
Dozens of rescuers working to find Michael Mosley
There are currently around 100 rescuers working around the clock to find TV doctor Michael Mosley.
They are continuing to search the ten-mile wide island that is estimated to have a population of only around 2,590 people.
Anders Anglesey
Greek search teams withdraw sniffer dog 'over fears it's too hot'
Michael Mosley search teams using a sniffer dog have reportedly quit the scene and returned to Athens, possibly over concerns about the dog's health.
BBC correspondent Joe Inwood, speaking live from Symi on BBC breakfast on Sunday morning said: "The authorities have said that they will continue the search, they will continue to look for Michael Mosley until he is found, but the longer it goes on the more that hope will dwindle I’m sorry to say.
“Another thing we’ve learned this morning is that the search and rescue dog who had been on the hillside is being sent back to Athens. Now that could be a.sign that they are winding down, but it’s also being reported that it’s so hot here that the dog has been burning its paws on the hillside and so can’t work because of the heat. Now we don’t know which of those it is but that is a development we’ve had in the last hour or so.”
Read more: Michael mosley missing: Greek search teams withdraw sniffer sog 'over fears it's too hot'
KEY EVENT
Timeline mapped as desperate search for TV doc enters its fifth day
The search for popular TV doctor Michael Mosley enters its fifth day on Sunday - with an emergency helicopter, drones, and fire crews.
The 67-year-old went missing on the Greek island of Symi on Wednesday, sparking a frantic manhunt for the doctor. His wife, Dr Clare Bailey, has vowed to "not lose hope" as she joined in with the search this weekend, alongside family friends and locals.
She previously 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."
- Click here for more on this story and to read a full timeline in the search so far.
William Walker
Mayor's daughter says many island residents joined the search using their own boats
The mayor’s daughter Mika Papakalodouka said that “a lot of” island residents had joined the search using their own boats to find the British national.
“It is a small island, people talk. We’re good people actually here. Everybody is looking for him,” the 20-year-old earlier told PA.
“It’s such a small island to get lost on. It’s so weird for us. Everybody is worried and looking for him.”
Elsewhere, a woman reported seeing Mosley, known for popularising the 5:2 diet and for his appearances on The One Show and This Morning, in the Pedi area on Wednesday.
A local Facebook group said Mosley went for a walk from Saint Nikolas beach at about 1.30pm Greek time (11.30am BST) on Wednesday.
William Walker
How did the search go on Saturday before rescuers called it off for the night?
Firefighters started scouring a 6.5km (four-mile) radius over a mountainous area that is surrounded by sea on at 6am on Saturday.
The team of emergency workers were forced to split up to cover the vast expanses of steep rocky terrain on their own, as well as using a drone to search the area.
One uniformed worker said there were 10 of them searching multiple summits because it was too dangerous for large crews to work during the summer months.
Firefighter Stergos Giakoumakis said from near one of the peaks: “It’s not so easy to bring here 100 people, especially this period, because it’s the most dangerous period. “Everything is dry and it is too dangerous for firemen to search.”
Firefighters were seen using umbrellas to protect themselves as there is no shade or path near the top of the hill that sits between Pedi bay and Agia Marina, where they suspect Mosley may have walked.
Dead grass juts out between rocks and large boulders, and the only living vegetation is a few small shrubs. An emergency helicopter was seen flying over Pedi bay towards the mountainous terrain where the hunt for Mosley was being carried out around 3.20pm local time.
William Walker
Mayor says area Mosley went through 'difficult to pass' but vows to continue search
The mayor of Symi, Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas, has vowed to continue the extensive search operation - which has involved police, firefighters with drones, Greek Red Cross workers, divers, a search dog and a helicopter operating in dangerous conditions and high temperatures - until he is found.
The mayor said the area where Mosley is believed to have travelled through is "difficult to pass" and is "only rocks", as well as being populated by "loads" of snakes. Speaking through a translator, the mayor of 22 years questioned how anyone could survive in the heat that topped 40C on the day Mosley disappeared.
Mr Papakaloudoukas said he hoped Mosley would be found "safe and alive", adding: "All the community is so sad about this, (it has) never happened before."
William Walker
Michael Mosley's wife says days since disappearance "longest and most unbearable" for family
Missing Michael Mosley's wife Dr Clare Bailey Mosley said the days since he has been missing have been the "longest and most unbearable days" for her and her children.
In a statement his wife 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.
"The search is ongoing and our family are so incredibly grateful to the people of Symi, the Greek authorities and the British Consulate who are working tirelessly to help find Michael. We will not lose hope"
