Rescue teams are concentrating their efforts on a perilous cave complex known as The Abyss in their quest to find missing Mail columnist Dr. Michael Mosley.

Despite extensive searches within this network of caverns and underwater tunnels, no trace of the TV medic has been found.

His wife, Clare Bailey, has remained hopeful, expressing gratitude for the ongoing efforts.

The Longest Days

Clare Bailey, speaking publicly for the first time since her husband’s disappearance, described the ordeal as “the longest and most unbearable days” for herself and their children.

She expressed her deep appreciation for the people of Symi, Greek authorities, and the British Consulate for their relentless search efforts.

Last Seen Heading for the Mountains

Greek police released new CCTV footage showing Dr. Mosley on the day he vanished.

The footage, taken on Wednesday afternoon, shows him carrying an umbrella to shield himself from the 35°C (95°F) heat as he walked purposefully towards a mountain trail.

Dr. Bailey recalled last seeing her husband on the secluded St. Nicholas beach, from where he set off to walk to Pedi, intending to catch a bus back to their villa.

Massive Search Operation

The search operation has been extensive, involving dogs, drones, helicopters, and divers. Despite these efforts, there has been no sighting of the 67-year-old writer and broadcaster.

Authorities have asked Dr. Bailey to provide further details about what her husband had with him when he disappeared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Family Joins the Search

The couple’s four grown-up children traveled to Symi to join their mother and participate in the search efforts.

They scoured the two-mile path from Pedi to Agia Marina, a small beach near The Abyss, where rescue teams continue their efforts.

To access the treacherous caves, Dr. Mosley would have had to swim from Agia Marina beach, the same route used by the coastguard and divers.

The Difficult Terrain

Rescuers have also been searching a separate rocky path close to Agia Marina, which rises across jagged limestone terrain and leads back to Symi by a longer route.

This unmarked and technically difficult trail poses significant challenges, especially under the fierce midday sun.

One search team member highlighted the dangers of attempting such a walk during the hottest part of the day.

A Race Against Time

Rescuers are increasingly concerned for Dr. Mosley’s welfare due to the extreme heat and the treacherous terrain.

The search has been described as a “race against time,” with every minute being invaluable.

Boats in the area have been alerted to keep an eye out for him in the water.

Firefighters Join the Search

In a sign of the urgency, firefighters from the nearby island of Kos, who had been tackling blazes, were transferred to Symi to assist in the search.

At Agia Marina beach, staff reported that police had checked their CCTV footage, but no one remembered seeing a man with an umbrella.

The Path Ahead

Symi’s mayor, Lefteris Papakalodoukas, commented on the challenging nature of the search, noting the difficult terrain and the high temperatures.

He questioned why Dr. Mosley would leave the beach without his phone and walk such a difficult path during the hottest part of the day.

Community Puzzled

Local residents and business owners have expressed their bewilderment over Dr. Mosley’s disappearance.

Nikos, a restaurant owner, remarked on the strangeness of the situation, noting the extensive search efforts that have yet to yield any results.

Thermal imaging and drone searches have also been unsuccessful.

Continued Efforts

For the first time in 36 hours, a fire brigade helicopter joined the search, flying over the mountain track where Dr. Mosley was last thought to have headed.

Despite thorough searches, including the use of thermal imaging and drones, Dr. Mosley remains missing.

Background

Dr. Mosley, well known for his work on BBC programs such as “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” and “The One Show,” was last believed to have visited Symi eight years ago.

He was staying with friends in a villa in the center of Symi port at the time of his disappearance.

As search efforts continue, his family and friends remain hopeful for his safe return.