Search for windsurfer missing in sea is called off

Skegness RNLI crew took part in a large-scale multi-agency search for a windsurfer.
Skegness RNLI continue search for windsurfer at sea.Skegness RNLI continue search for windsurfer at sea.
Skegness RNLI continue search for windsurfer at sea.

The Skegness RNLI all-weather lifeboat crew was seen back on the beach after an operation lasting 24 hours.

They were paged at 6.35pm on Saturday night and a scanner recorded them searching up and down an area off the coast in rough seas.

The search for the missing windsurfer has now been called off after inquiries suggest he got into difficulties in the sea.

Skegness Lifeboat being spun on trailer on its return after an epic search lasting over 24 hours.Skegness Lifeboat being spun on trailer on its return after an epic search lasting over 24 hours.
Skegness Lifeboat being spun on trailer on its return after an epic search lasting over 24 hours.

Chris Bamfield, 65, was last seen at 2pm on Saturday at Hunstanton beach, and his windsurfing sail and board have since been found, Norfolk Police said.

The force was called just before 5.20pm on Saturday after Mr Bamfield, from the village of Middleton, near King’s Lynn, did not return home.

He is understood to have parked his car in the Hunstanton area and prepared to enter the water in a black wetsuit, carrying windsurfing equipment including his red and white sail, police said.

A member of the public told police they saw a windsurfer matching Mr Bamfield’s description in the sea that afternoon.

The coastguard helicopter spotted near Gibraltar Point on Sunday. Photo: John Byford.The coastguard helicopter spotted near Gibraltar Point on Sunday. Photo: John Byford.
The coastguard helicopter spotted near Gibraltar Point on Sunday. Photo: John Byford.

Emergency services, working with HM Coastguard, carried out extensive land, sea and air searches over the weekend to try to find him.

Temporary Superintendent for King’s Lynn and Breckland Lou Provart said: “Unfortunately, despite extensive local searches, Mr Bamfield hasn’t been located.

“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 co-operation and patience during the investigations of the emergency and search and rescue services.”

As well as a volunteer crew, Skegness, Hunstanton and Wells all-weather lifeboats, Wells and Hunstanton inshore lifeboats, Sutton Bridge, Wells and Skegness Coastguard Rescue Teams and a Coastguard helicopter were involved in the search.

Numerous messages of support for the crews have been posted on the RNLI Skegness Facebook page.

RNLI Skegness said: “Thank you all for your support. We aren’t able to comment or update you on ongoing launches but our crew are all safe and well.”