The search for 85-year-old Patrick Williams, who went missing on Christmas Eve, has entered its sixth day as volunteers, police, and rescue teams continue efforts to locate him. A new photo has been released in hopes of gathering further leads.
Mr. Williams was last seen at 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, reportedly on his way to attend midnight mass at the Roman Catholic Church on Marine Parade, Sheerness. CCTV footage from the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club and a private camera captured him walking towards Minster at 11 p.m. that evening.
Discovery of Clothes and Search Efforts
Some of Mr. Williams’ clothing was found on a bench along the beach, but no further signs of him have been discovered. The police were alerted to his disappearance at 9:55 a.m. on Christmas Day, with a public appeal issued later that afternoon.
In response, local residents formed search parties, with some using drones to scour the area. Crews from RNLI Sheerness and the Sheppey Coastguard have also been conducting coastline searches, while volunteers have been putting up posters along the seafront and elsewhere on the Isle of Sheppey.
A Facebook group, Missing Have You Seen Patrick?, created by Carly Ellis, has attracted over 1,000 members. The group has coordinated search efforts, compiled a timeline and map of sightings, and listed areas that still need to be searched.
Family Gratitude
Mr. Williams’ family expressed heartfelt thanks to those involved in the search, writing:
“As the family of Patrick Williams, we wanted to send our gratitude and thanks for all your efforts in searching for our loved one. It has truly touched us beyond words as to how much you have come together, shared information, and taken time out of the most precious family time of year.”
They urged anyone with information about sightings of Mr. Williams from 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve to contact the police, adding, “We are all praying for his safe return.”
Weather Hampers Search
Search efforts faced setbacks on Friday due to thick fog blanketing the island, which temporarily halted operations.
Description and Appeal
Patrick Williams is described as slim, 5ft 7in tall, with white-grey hair, a beard, and glasses. Police have noted that he sometimes becomes confused, heightening concerns for his welfare.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 999, quoting reference 25-0311.
