The body of Michele Bourda, a British tourist who vanished from a beach in northern Greece last month, has been found on the islet of Fidonisi. The 59-year-old's remains were discovered by a passing yacht, more than 25 miles from where she was last seen.
Her husband, Christos Bourda, confirmed the identification and expressed devastation, stating he recognised his wife despite her remains being skeletal. He criticised Greek authorities for their handling of the case, claiming police and coastguard were 'criminally slow' in responding to her disappearance.
Mrs Bourda was last seen on 1 August lying on a lounger at Ofrinio beach near Kavala. Her husband, who had fallen asleep beside her, woke to find her missing. CCTV footage showed the couple enjoying crepes hours earlier. She had left her belongings, including medication, on the lounger.
Mr Bourda said valuable time was lost, as it took police three hours to file a missing person report. He spent much of the first day searching alone, alleging police did little. A Greek missing persons charity issued a silver alert, mobilising authorities.
The search initially focused on the sea, with coastguard patrols and private vessels scouring the Strymonian Gulf. After three days, police took over inland searches, deploying drones and sniffer dogs. Officials now believe Mrs Bourda drowned, with currents carrying her body to the island. An autopsy has been conducted, but results are pending.
