The search in Greece for missing American Albert Calibet who went missing during a hike on Amorgos has reached its conclusion, his brother announced on Monday.
The retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy went missing on June 11 as the island was experiencing an extreme heat wave at the time, with temperatures as high as 97 degrees.
In the weeks since the 59-year-old didn’t return from the hike, family, friends and volunteers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department made their ways to Amorgos to aid with the search. Calibet’s brother Olive was one of several people searching the area for his missing brother, including Calibet’s girlfriend.
Oliver said in a statement that the search had been called off.
“It is with heavy hearts that I announce the conclusion of our search for our beloved Albert,” Oliver said. “Despite our relentless efforts and determination, Albert remains missing.”
“Zero evidence” of missing American on Amorgos
Oliver continued to say that “zero evidence” of Albert was found on the island and that there was little assistance from the Greek government and the US Embassy. He said he plans to stay in Europe in case any new information comes out.
In an earlier statement, he had blasted the US government for “doing nothing” to help find him. “I don’t know why the US can’t come here and help. The US is doing nothing.”
He continued: “This is a small little island. He should have been found days ago if the US had put in a little, a tiny little effort.”
Robin Winston, a friend of Albert’s, told KTLA that Amorgos is low on resources and doesn’t have an airport, making it tough to access. Oliver said the search parties left the island out of fear for their own safety, as the long hikes have taken a toll on their bodies.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who sent their thoughts and prayers,” Oliver said.
“Your support has been a source of strength for us during this incredibly challenging time. I also wish to thank the search and rescue teams who assisted us and those that donated to the GoFundMe to make search and rescue efforts possible. We were truly hoping for a different outcome.”
The missing retired deputy is among several foreigners, including Americans, who have died or vanished under mysterious circumstances on Greek islands recently in cases linked to extreme heat.
In June a missing American tourist, Toby Sheets, was found dead on a beach on a small Greek island west of Corfu.
A 74-year-old Dutch tourist was found by a fire department drone on Saturday on the island of Samos.
Dr. Michael Mosley, a noted British television presenter and author, was found dead on the island of Symi.