Neighbours 'shocked' after Glasgow mum vanishes from Greek beach

Neighbours of a mum from Glasgow who went missing from a beach in Greece six days ago say they are “shocked” by her disappearance.

Michele Ann Joy Bourda had been swimming with her husband at Ofrynio beach in the city of Kavala at around noon on Friday, August 1.

She then reportedly vanished while her husband, who is of Greek origin, was sleeping on a sunbed.

The Hellenic Coastguard said the port authority received reports that the 59-year-old was missing the same evening.

A major search was launched involving two patrol boats, two private high-speed boats, five fishing boats, three private lifeboats and two patrol vehicles from land.

Ms Bourda, who lives in Glasgow, was wearing a swimsuit with decorative stones, yellow water shoes, and red plastic sunglasses when she vanished.

She is described as having straight blonde hair down to her shoulders, hazel eyes, is 1.73m tall and is thin.

The 59-year-old’s neighbours told STV News they were shocked to learn of her disappearance and said their thoughts are with her family as the search continues.

The couple have been described as private and often kept to themselves but spoke with other residents in the area while out walking.

They moved to Crookston around 2018 to be closer to their son, who was studying in the city.

The British Embassy in Greece shared an appeal to trace her on Facebook.

Lifeline Hellas, a Greek missing persons charity, said “her life is in danger”.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who is missing in Greece and are in contact with local authorities”.