Urgent search for missing elderly skipper after boat washes up in UK seaside town | UK | News
Serious concerns are growing for the welfare of a missing captain after the wreckage of his ship was discovered off the Cornish coast. Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a public appeal following the disappearance of David Fretwell. The 75-year-old was reported missing after his ship, the Green Goddess, was found washed ashore in the Hayle area on March 6.
Three coastguard craft, two RNLI lifeboats and a helicopter were deployed off the coast of Towans, Mexico, after David’s destroyed ship was found with its occupants scattered along the coastline. Local residents began to find parts of the hull, life jackets, cans of paint coating, gas cylinders, personal belongings and even a seat placed upright in the sand.
Most of the debris was scattered on the Mexico Towans section of the coast near Beachside Holiday Park.
A spokesman for HM Coastguard said at the time: “At approximately 8.05am on Friday, March 6, HM Coastguard was notified that a sailing ship had broken up on the shoreline off Hayle and there was no sign of anyone on board.
“Coastguard Rescue Teams from St Ives, Portreath and Penzance were dispatched to check for persons in distress, an HM Coastguard helicopter and two RNLI lifeboats were also dispatched from St Ives. Devon and Cornwall Police have also been notified.
“No person in danger was found during the searches. HM Coast Guard withdrew its response at around 14.30 until new information was received.”
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David is thought to have traveled by boat along the North Cornwall coast, passing through Padstow and Newquay before reaching the St Ives area on March 4.
David is described as a white male with a slim build, short gray hair and approximately 5ft 11ins tall.
A police spokesman said: “If you have seen David or know his whereabouts, please call police on 999 on 247 quoting log number 06/03/26.”
