Family of missing windsurfer urge friends to 'keep the faith' after search called off
Chris Bamfield hasn't been seen since Saturday
Last updated 18th Nov 2020
The family of a windsurfer who went missing off the Hunstanton coast have paid tribute to the 'strong' and 'passionate' father.
The Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk has today revealed Chris Bamfield had recently retired as its executive director.
The 65-year-old from Middleton, King's Lynn, was last seen in the sea on Saturday afternoon by members of the public, but has not been seen since.
The search for the husband and father has now been called off after a board and sail, believed to be Mr Bamfield's were found off the coast.
In a statement issued to the borough council, his family said:
"We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of the emergency services, volunteers, colleagues and local windsurfing and sailing organisations for all of the herculean effort they have put into helping us find Chris and for continuing to keep him in their thoughts. There's a reason we have built our lives in Norfolk and it's because of people like you all that we continue to call this home.
"He spent his career with King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council dedicated to making it the jewel in the crown he believes it should be. He has been windsurfing for 40 years, having recently reignited his passion and being welcomed back by the local community, and we all know how much he loves the sport.
"Chris is a fighter and even at the age of 65, he's stronger than most of us. Because of that, we ask you all to remain vigilant. He is always the personification of positivity, and we know that at times like these he would want us all to echo the words of one of his favourite bands. Keep the faith - Bon Jovi"
Chief executive of the borough council, Lorraine Gore, said:
"We were in great shock yesterday with the announcement that the windsurfer who went missing off the Hunstanton Coast on Saturday was our own, recently-retired, executive director Chris Bamfield. Today we woke to the devastating news that the search had been called off. We know the emergency services did everything they could to find him, and for that we are truly grateful. Our hearts go out to his wife Vanessa and his children Ashton and Jamie at this dreadful and difficult time.
"Chris, who retired this year to spend more time with his family, had worked at the council for 29 years. While at the council he was popular and well-liked with many regarding him not only as a work colleague but as a friend. Staff are struggling to come to terms with the news of the events that have taken place over the weekend and early part of this week.
"Chris is well known in the area for making things happen, not least of which the cinema at the Corn Exchange, the transformation of the town hall complex to incorporate Stories of Lynn, and the refurbishment of both market places in King's Lynn."