In a renewed effort to solve the mystery of Royal Navy Rating Simon Parkes’ disappearance over 37 years ago, a joint investigative team led by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, in collaboration with the Defence Serious Crime Unit, recently concluded a five-day excavation in Gibraltar. The operation, which took place at Town Range Car Park and Trafalgar Cemetery starting January 15, 2024, aimed to uncover any new evidence that could provide closure to a case that has puzzled authorities since 1986.
Simon Parkes, a radio operator hailing from Bristol, vanished in December 1986 while his ship, HMS Illustrious, was moored in Gibraltar. The 18-year-old was last seen disembarking the ship but never made it back, leading to a wide-ranging search that, until now, has failed to ascertain his whereabouts or fate. This latest excavation followed an initial dig in August 2023, which identified a potential area of interest within the Town Range Car Park. Despite the thorough examination of over twelve tonnes of material, including areas around and inside a water tank, the investigation team has not unearthed any significant findings.
