Michael Mosley: Divers searching for TV doctor on Greek island as disappearance described as ‘strange’

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2024

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Divers are searching for TV doctor Michael Mosley after he went missing while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi.

A local Facebook group said Mosley, known for appearing on programmes like This Morning and The One Show, went for a walk from Saint Nikolas Beach at about 1.30pm Greek time on Wednesday.

The doctor had been missing for just over 48 hours, as of Friday afternoon.

More people joined the search when it resumed this morning – and Symi deputy mayor Ilias Chaskas said “divers are looking in the water”.

Symi’s coastguard said around five patrol boats, as well as private and commercial vessels in the area, were also now involved in the operation.

Police and firefighters have also used drones to scan the island, which is about 25 miles north of Rhodes, while a helicopter was deployed at about 7pm local time on Thursday.

The search was paused overnight, but police said “more men will be coming” on Friday.

“The search continues today with seven firefighters, one drone checking the wider area, and we are cooperating with the Hellenic Police Office,” a spokesperson for the Greek fire services said.

They also confirmed police are using sniffer dogs in the search for the missing Briton.

Mosley ‘may have taken shortcuts’

Mosley and his wife Clare travelled to the island with another couple on Tuesday for a week’s holiday, the Athens-based newspaper Kathimerini reported.

The next day, the four of them took a boat and went for a swim at Saint Nikolas Beach – however, Mosley preferred to return from the beach on foot, the paper added.

Police are considering all possibilities, including that Mosley had an accident or fall – or suffered a snake bite, Greek news website ekathimerini.com reported.

The area where the presenter went missing is considered “difficult, as it is quite rocky” – Symi mayor Lefteris Papakalodoukas told the news website.

He described the heat on the island on Wednesday as “unbearable and one could easily faint in such conditions”.

The mayor added that Mosley “wanted to walk back from the beach, but that’s a distance of about an hour-and-a-half”, adding: “There are shortcuts he may have taken.”

Read more about missing TV doctor:
What we know about his last known movements

A statement from local police, which has been translated, said officers were informed about the “disappearance of the 67-year-old British national on the island” two days ago. It is reported Mosley’s wife had raised the alarm.

Police asked for assistance from the Greek fire service, with firefighters, a vehicle and a drone team arriving from Rhodes at about 2pm yesterday.

Disappearance ‘very strange’

The rescue operation is focusing on the Pedi area of the island after a woman reported seeing him there on Wednesday.

Another woman in the area said Mosley’s disappearance was “strange” as the path he was thought to be on is “clear”.

“It’s a quiet place… if you see the map of the area it’s a clear path, it’s nothing dangerous,” she said.

“Many people go every day, every few minutes, that’s the reason it’s very strange because it’s a clear path.”

Adriana Shum, who shared the Facebook appeal yesterday, said in a later comment on the social media post that Mosley reportedly “left his phone at his accommodation”.

“The police, coastguard and EDOK, the mountain rescue people, are all searching plus all the locals are aware and keeping a look out,” she wrote.

“These days it should be pretty difficult to get lost on Symi as so many of the paths have been surfaced and there is a lot more activity even in the most remote areas,” she added.

Before the search was halted on Thursday night, she wrote: “Apparently he was sighted at Kamares so he made it that far.

“My husband has just spent two hours searching every public route in the valley by torchlight, calling his name, and has now joined EDOK to continue the search.”

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who is missing in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Timeline of Mosley’s disappearance

Wednesday – 1.30pm: Michael Mosley goes for a walk from Saint Nikolas Beach on the Greek island of Symi. The island is part of the Dodecanese island chain and is about 25 miles north of Rhodes.

Wednesday, 3pm: He has reportedly still not returned to the hotel he is staying at with his wife Clare Bailey Mosley – also a doctor, author and health columnist.

Wednesday – 7.30pm: Mosley’s wife reportedly raises the alarm and Greek authorities start to retrace his route but do not find him.

Thursday – 11am: An appeal (which appears to have been first posted on Wednesday at 5.34pm) is updated in a local Facebook group called Friends of Symi, which includes a photograph of the 67-year-old TV doctor on a beach wearing a blue T-shirt, grey knee-length shorts, a blue baseball cap and dark sunglasses. He is pictured holding a green rucksack. The post reads: “Have you seen this man? He set off to walk back from St Nick’s at about 13.30 and failed to make it home. ” It adds: “His name is Dr Mike Mosley and he is a familiar face for many British people.” The edit reads: “So far he still has not been found and the search continues.”

Thursday – 2pm: Six firefighters, a vehicle and a drone team are deployed from Rhodes to join the search.

Thursday – 7pm: A helicopter joins the search as Greek authorities continue to scour the coast.

Thursday night: Greek police say the search is being paused, but “more men will be coming” on Friday morning. Before the search is halted, Adriana Shum, the person to share the Facebook appeal, says in a comment on the social media post: “Apparently he was sighted at Kamares so he made it that far.” She adds Mosley reportedly “left his phone at his accommodation”.

Friday – 7am: Police confirm the search has resumed.

Friday morning: The local mayor’s office says islanders, a helicopter from Rhodes and Greek officers, along with police drafted in from outside the island, are searching the Pedi area and surroundings. The rescue operation is focusing on that area of the island after a woman reported seeing Mosley there on Wednesday.

Friday – later: The Hellenic National Meteorological Service issues a yellow weather warning for Rhodes and the surrounding islands including Symi for high temperatures, which are forecast to reach highs of 36C (96.8F).

Co-star ‘sick with worry’

Mosley is known for being a columnist for the Daily Mail and has made a number of films about diet and exercise.

The broadcaster fronted the Channel 4 show Michael Mosley: Who Made Britain Fat? and was part of the BBC series Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.

Trust Me I’m A Doctor star Saleyha Ahsan wrote on social media the news was “shocking” and she was hoping Mosley would be “found safe”.

“I literally feel sick with worry,” Ahsan added. “Don’t even know what to say.”

On Thursday’s edition of The One Show, presenter Alex Jones opened the programme by saying that “lots of us are concerned to hear our friend Michael Mosley has gone missing whilst on holiday in Greece”.

“Our thoughts are very much with his wife Clare and the rest of his family at this worrying time. We hope for more positive news,” she added.

Who is Michael Mosley?

Mosley is known for appearing on television programmes like This Morning and The One Show.

He was one of the presenters of the series Trust Me, I’m A Doctor on the BBC – and also hosts its Just One Thing health podcast.

He also lived with tapeworms in his gut for six weeks for the documentary Infested! Living With Parasites on BBC Four.

Mosley is also credited for the rising popularity of the 5:2 diet for losing weight, which involves fasting for two days per week.

He is also a columnist for the Daily Mail and has made a number of films about diet and exercise.

More recently, he presented two series for Channel 4, Secrets Of Your Big Shop and Who Made Britain Fat?

His programmes have received nominations for RTS and Emmy awards, and he has previously been named “medical journalist of the year” by the British Medical Association.

Mosley has four children with his wife Clare Bailey Mosley, also a doctor, author and health columnist, who wrote the recipe book Fast 800 Easy.

The couple, who have hosted theatre show tours together, recently attended the Hay Festival.

Radio 2 presenter and Channel 5 talk show host Jeremy Vine wrote in a social media post: “I’m praying this lovely man is found and thinking of Clare and the whole Mosley family.”

MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis wrote on X: “Feeling disturbed about the news about Dr Michael Mosley. I hope he’s ok.”

UK

UK weather: Yellow heat health alerts issued for most of England

Published

1 hour ago

June 17, 2025

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UK weather: Yellow heat health alerts issued for most of England

Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for most of England – with temperatures forecast to hit highs of 33C (91F) this weekend.

Only the North East and North West are exempt from the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) latest warning, which comes into force at 12pm on Wednesday and expires at 6pm on Sunday.

The alert indicates that people with pre-existing health conditions, and those aged over 65, could be at higher risk.

Forecasters say the East of England is likely to see the highest temperatures, which wouldn’t be far off the June record of 35.6C (90F) set in 1976.

According to the Met Office, it will get progressively warmer as the week progresses – with the heat peaking on Sunday.

Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said thundery showers may be possible heading into Saturday morning, with “tropical nights” a possibility as parts of the UK approach heatwave territory.

The forecast means we are likely to see the hottest day of the year so far – eclipsing the 29.4C (85F) recorded last Friday in Suffolk.

In a delicious twist, ice cream makers have said “it’s their Christmas time”, with some making fresh supplies around the clock.

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UK

US-UK trade deal ‘done’, says Trump as he meets Starmer at G7

Published

13 hours ago

June 17, 2025

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US-UK trade deal 'done', says Trump as he meets Starmer at G7

The UK-US trade deal has been signed and is “done”, US President Donald Trump has said as he met Sir Keir Starmer at the G7 summit.

The US president told reporters in Canada: “We signed it, and it’s done. It’s a fair deal for both. It’ll produce a lot of jobs, a lot of income.”

Sir Keir said the document “implements” the deal to cut tariffs on cars and aerospace, describing it as a “really important agreement”.

“So this is a very good day for both of our countries – a real sign of strength,” the prime minister added.

Mr Trump added that the UK was “very well protected” against any future tariffs, saying: “You know why? Because I like them”.

However, he did not say whether levies on British steel exports to the US would be set to 0%, saying “we’re gonna let you have that information in a little while”.

What exactly does trade deal being ‘done’ mean?

The government says the US “has committed” to removing tariffs (taxes on imported goods) on UK aerospace goods, such as engines and aircraft parts, which currently stand at 10%.

That is “expected to come into force by the end of the month”.

Tariffs on car imports will drop from 27.5% to 10%, the government says, which “saves car manufacturers hundreds of millions a year, and protects tens of thousands of jobs”.

The White House says there will be a quote of 100,000 cars eligible for import at that level each year.

But on steel, the story is a little more complicated.

The UK is the only country exempted from the global 50% tariff rate on steel – which means the UK rate remains at the original level of 25%.

That tariff was expected to be lifted entirely, but the government now says it will “continue to go further and make progress towards 0% tariffs on core steel products as agreed”.

The White House says the US will “promptly construct a quota at most-favoured-nation rates for steel and aluminium articles”.

Other key parts of the deal include import and export quotas for beef – and the government is keen to emphasise that “any US imports will need to meet UK food safety standards”.

There is no change to tariffs on pharmaceuticals for the moment, and the government says “work will continue to protect industry from any further tariffs imposed”.

The White House says they “committed to negotiate significantly preferential treatment outcomes”.

Mr Trump also praised Sir Keir as a “great” prime minister, adding: “We’ve been talking about this deal for six years, and he’s done what they haven’t been able to do.”

He added: “We’re very longtime partners and allies and friends and we’ve become friends in a short period of time.

“He’s slightly more liberal than me to put it mildly… but we get along.”

Sir Keir added that “we make it work”.

As the pair exited a mountain lodge in the Canadian Rockies where the summit is being held, Mr Trump held up a physical copy of the trade agreement to show reporters.

Several leaves of paper fell from the binding, and Sir Keir quickly stooped to pick them up, saying: “A very important document.”

The US president also appeared to mistakenly refer to a “trade agreement with the European Union” at one point as he stood alongside the British prime minister.

Mr Trump announced his “Liberation Day” tariffs on countries in April. At the time, he announced 10% “reciprocal” rates on all UK exports – as well as separately announced 25% levies on cars and steel.

In a joint televised phone call in May, Sir Keir and Mr Trump announced the UK and US had agreed on a trade deal – but added the details were being finalised.

Ahead of the G7 summit, the prime minister said he would meet Mr Trump for “one-on-one” talks, and added the agreement “really matters for the vital sectors that are safeguarded under our deal, and we’ve got to implement that”.

UK

Whitehall officials tried to cover up grooming scandal in 2011, Dominic Cummings says

Published

19 hours ago

June 16, 2025

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Whitehall officials tried to cover up grooming scandal in 2011, Dominic Cummings says

Whitehall officials tried to convince Michael Gove to go to court to cover up the grooming scandal in 2011, Sky News can reveal.

Dominic Cummings, who was working for Lord Gove at the time, has told Sky News that officials in the Department for Education (DfE) wanted to help efforts by Rotherham Council to stop a national newspaper from exposing the scandal.

In an interview with Sky News, Mr Cummings said that officials wanted a “total cover-up”.

Politics latest: Grooming gangs findings unveiled

The revelation shines a light on the institutional reluctance of some key officials in central government to publicly highlight the grooming gang scandal.

In 2011, Rotherham Council approached the Department for Education asking for help following inquiries by The Times. The paper’s then chief reporter, the late Andrew Norfolk, was asking about sexual abuse and trafficking of children in Rotherham.

The council went to Lord Gove’s Department for Education for help. Officials considered the request and then recommended to Lord Gove’s office that the minister back a judicial review which might, if successful, stop The Times publishing the story.

Lord Gove rejected the request on the advice of Mr Cummings. Sources have independently confirmed Mr Cummings’ account.

Mr Cummings told Sky News: “Officials came to me in the Department of Education and said: ‘There’s this Times journalist who wants to write the story about these gangs. The local authority wants to judicially review it and stop The Times publishing the story’.

“So I went to Michael Gove and said: ‘This council is trying to actually stop this and they’re going to use judicial review. You should tell the council that far from siding with the council to stop The Times you will write to the judge and hand over a whole bunch of documents and actually blow up the council’s JR (judicial review).’

“Some officials wanted a total cover-up and were on the side of the council…

“They wanted to help the local council do the cover-up and stop The Times’ reporting, but other officials, including in the DfE private office, said this is completely outrageous and we should blow it up. Gove did, the judicial review got blown up, Norfolk stories ran.”

The judicial review wanted by officials would have asked a judge to decide about the lawfulness of The Times’ publication plans and the consequences that would flow from this information entering the public domain.

A second source told Sky News that the advice from officials was to side with Rotherham Council and its attempts to stop publication of details it did not want in the public domain.

One of the motivations cited for stopping publication would be to prevent the identities of abused children entering the public domain.

There was also a fear that publication could set back the existing attempts to halt the scandal, although incidents of abuse continued for many years after these cases.

Sources suggested that there is also a natural risk aversion amongst officials to publicity of this sort.

Read more on grooming gangs:
What we do and don’t know from the data
A timeline of the scandal

Mr Cummings, who ran the Vote Leave Brexit campaign and was Boris Johnson’s right-hand man in Downing Street, has long pushed for a national inquiry into grooming gangs to expose failures at the heart of government.

He said the inquiry, announced today, “will be a total s**tshow for Whitehall because it will reveal how much Whitehall worked to try and cover up the whole thing.”

He also described Mr Johnson, with whom he has a long-standing animus, as a “moron’ for saying that money spent on inquiries into historic child sexual abuse had been “spaffed up the wall”.

Asked by Sky News political correspondent Liz Bates why he had not pushed for a public inquiry himself when he worked in Number 10 in 2019-20, Mr Cummings said Brexit and then COVID had taken precedence.

“There are a million things that I wanted to do but in 2019 we were dealing with the constitutional crisis,” he said.

The Department for Education and Rotherham Council have been approached for comment.