Devon and Cornwall Police have issued an urgent appeal for information after a 75-year-old skipper went missing following the discovery of his wrecked boat on a beach in Cornwall. David Fretwell has not been seen since his vessel, the Green Goddess, was found washed ashore in the Hayle area on Friday, March 6.
The coastguard launched a major search operation involving three vessels, two RNLI lifeboats and a helicopter after the boat was reported to have broken up on the shoreline at Mexico Towans beach. Wreckage, including fragments of the hull, lifejackets, gas canisters and personal items, was scattered across the sand near the Beachside Holiday Park.
An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: 'A sailing vessel was reported at about 8.05am on Friday to have broken up on the shoreline at Hayle beach, with no sign of any person on board. Coastguard Rescue Teams from St Ives, Portreath and Penzance were sent, as well as a helicopter and two RNLI lifeboats. Searches did not locate any person in distress, and we stood down at about 2.30pm, pending any new information.'
It is believed Mr Fretwell travelled along the north Cornwall coast, passing through Padstow and Newquay before reaching the St Ives area on Wednesday, March 4. He is described as white, of slim build, with short grey hair and approximately 5ft 7in tall.
Police are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare. A force spokesman said: 'If you have seen David, or know of their whereabouts, please call police immediately on 999, quoting log number 247 06/03/26.'
