Searches for a windsurfer missing off Hunstanton stood down
Police have called off searches for a windsurfer who was reported missing off Hunstanton on Saturday (14 November).
Last updated 17th Nov 2020
Search teams looking for 65 year-old Chris Bamfield from Middleton, King's Lynn have been stood down.
CCTV shows Chris parking his car near Hunstanton Sailing Club, and walking towards the beach carrying windsurfing equipment on Saturday (14 November)
Police say his car was later found where it had been left, still locked, and containing personal items belonging to the missing man.
Officers say their enquiries suggest that members of the public had witnessed a windsurfer matching Chris's description in the sea at Hunstanton that afternoon.
A red and white sail and a windsurfing board, which have been identified as Mr Bamfield's, were also later found off the coast.
Temporary Superintendent for King’s Lynn and Breckland, Lou Provart, said:
"Unfortunately, despite extensive local searches, Mr Bamfield hasn’t been located.
"Dedicated search teams including dog units, HM Coastguard boats and helicopters, and Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue have been working over the weekend and into yesterday to try to find Chris, as we’ve grown increasingly concerned.
"We are all aware of the unpredictable nature of the sea, and it’s likely that Mr Bamfield would have been exposed to the poor weather on Saturday while windsurfing.
"Despite the best efforts of all involved in the search to find him, it is tragically most likely that Mr Bamfield has at some point got into difficulty in the water.
"This is obviously a very distressing time for Chris’s family, who we have been in regular contact with throughout the investigation, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience during the investigations of the emergency, and search and rescue services.”
The Mayor of Hunstanton, Cllr Tony Bishopp and the Town Council have expressed their thanks and gratitude to all of the emergency services and volunteers involved in the search
In a statement they said:.
"We are rightly proud of all those that give of their time in these difficult situations often at great risk to their own safety.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing person and we pray for a positive outcome."