Missing Grandad Found After 600-Hour Search in Wiltshire
After nearly 600 hours and the efforts of 51 dedicated volunteers, 82-year-old George Bassett, who suffers from dementia, has been found safe in Wiltshire. George was swiftly taken to hospital where he’s now recovering well.
Heartfelt Thanks From Family
The Bassett family have lived in Nomansland, near Landford, for 50 years. George is known as an avid walker. His wife, Pamela Bassett, shared her relief today:
“Knowing that you were out looking for him gave me the strength to carry on. I am so grateful to you all for what you did and I feel like this is my lucky day.”
Coincidentally, Pamela celebrated her 81st birthday on July 22nd. She added:
“Everyone from Wiltshire Police and the search and rescue teams couldn’t have done more. I can’t thank you enough.”
Massive Multi-Team Operation
George was reported missing from his Nomansland home on Tuesday, July 18th, close to the New Forest border. Wiltshire Police immediately called in the highly trained Wiltshire Search and Rescue volunteers. Backup came from neighbouring teams including Hampshire Search and Rescue, Hampshire Search Dogs, Dorset Search and Rescue, and Dorset Search Dogs.
Adrian Sawyer, Chair of Wiltshire Search and Rescue, praised the teamwork behind George’s safe return:
“We are really pleased with the outcome. It was absolutely worth the lost sleep, the miles walked, the thunder, lightning, and torrential rain endured to bring George safely back to his family. I’m proud of how all the teams worked seamlessly with Wiltshire Police. This is why we train so hard and volunteer our time.”
High-Tech and Hands-On Search
The search was coordinated by Wiltshire Police, who deployed drones and helicopters to scour the fields and woodland around Nomansland, sometimes battling harsh weather. Ground teams acted swiftly on intelligence from multiple sources and covered a large area of fields, crops, and woods.
Wiltshire Search and Rescue is a volunteer group funded entirely by donations. They provide professional support in finding missing or vulnerable people, giving over 10,000 hours of volunteer time to the community in 2016 alone. Their volunteers come from all walks of life but share one mission: be there when people need them most.
