Concerns are escalating for a missing skipper after the shattered wreckage of his vessel washed ashore on a beach in Cornwall, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a public appeal for assistance in locating David Fretwell, a 75-year-old man reported missing following the discovery of his boat, named Green Goddess, in the Hayle area on Friday morning.
Emergency Response Mobilized
The alarm was raised when the boat was found extensively damaged on Mexico Towans beach, with debris including hull fragments, lifejackets, paint tins, gas canisters, personal items, and even a seat upright in the sand. In response, three coastguard vessels, two RNLI lifeboats from St Ives, and a coastguard helicopter were immediately dispatched to the scene to conduct a thorough search for any individuals in distress.
Coastguard Statement Details
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard provided a detailed account, stating: "A sailing vessel was reported to HM Coastguard at approximately 8:05 AM on Friday, March 6, after it broke up on the shoreline at Hayle beach. There was no sign of any person on board at the time of discovery. Coastguard Rescue Teams from St Ives, Portreath, and Penzance were deployed to check for anyone in distress, alongside an HM Coastguard helicopter and the RNLI lifeboats. Devon and Cornwall Police were also notified of the incident."
The spokesperson added that despite extensive efforts, searches did not locate any person in distress, and the coastguard stood down its response around 2:30 PM, pending any new information. The bulk of the debris was concentrated in the Mexico Towans area, near the Beachside Holiday Park, where local residents began finding scattered items.
Background on the Missing Skipper
David Fretwell is believed to have been traveling along the north Cornwall coast by boat, with reports indicating he passed through Padstow and Newquay before arriving in the St Ives area the previous Wednesday. He is described as a white male, of slim build, with short grey hair and standing approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall.
Police Appeal for Information
Devon and Cornwall Police are urgently requesting anyone who may have seen David or has any information regarding his whereabouts to contact them immediately. The community is being called upon to assist in the ongoing investigation as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the boat's destruction and the skipper's disappearance.
The incident has drawn significant attention to coastal safety and emergency response protocols in the region. As the search continues, authorities remain hopeful for new leads that could help locate the missing individual and provide answers to this distressing situation.
