A mother from Glasgow who went missing while vacationing with her husband in Greece has tragically been found dead. A body was discovered on the small Greek island of Fidonisi, and it has now been confirmed to be Michele Bourda, the 59-year-old woman who had been missing for several weeks. Her husband, Chris Bourda, confirmed that Greek police found the body on the private island of Fidonisi, located about 40 kilometers from the beach where Michele was last seen.
Michele, who lived in Scotland with her husband, disappeared over a month ago near the northern Greek town of Kavala. Her disappearance prompted a large-scale search effort. The body was found by the crew of a passing yacht. Chris, a pharmacist of Greek origin, identified the remains and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. At the same time, he criticized the authorities for what he described as a slow response by the police and coastguard during the initial search.
Michele was last seen on August 1 on Ofrinio Beach, where she had been resting on a sun lounger. Earlier that day, surveillance footage from a nearby café showed the couple eating together. Her husband fell asleep on the sun lounger, and when he woke up, Michele had vanished without explanation. Her personal belongings—including a towel, medication, and bag—were left behind on the beach.
The search initially focused on the sea, with coastguards, fishing boats, and private vessels scouring the area. Police later expanded the search inland, deploying a special team with sniffer dogs and drones from Athens for two weeks. Despite these efforts, Michele remained missing.
Authorities now believe Michele drowned and that her body was carried to shore by sea currents. The final cause of death will be determined by a pending autopsy. Reports indicate that the condition of the body made identification difficult—it was described as “all bones,” and the head was missing, according to Glasgow Live.
Chris Bourda is heartbroken. The couple had known each other for decades, had a daughter together, and recently lived in Glasgow. He recalled their last hours together: despite windy weather, they went swimming one last time and then had crepes. Michele had said she was looking forward to a relaxing nap, but while he fell asleep, she disappeared without a trace.
It is known that Michele had struggled with depression and anxiety in the past. During a previous stressful period in London, she briefly went missing but was quickly found. Chris emphasized that she had recently seemed stable and was excited about their trip.
Chris again criticized the authorities, stating that lessons must be learned from this case. “It shouldn’t take three hours to file a missing persons report before a search begins,” he said. The Greek police investigation is ongoing, and the British Foreign Office is also involved.
For Michele Bourda’s family and friends, a long period of uncertainty has now come to a painful end. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Michele Bourda and wish them strength during this difficult time.
“She Was All Bones”: Body of 59-Year-Old Tourist Found on Remote Greek Beach
A mother from Glasgow who went missing while vacationing with her husband in Greece has tragically been found dead. A body was discovered on the small Greek island of Fidonisi, and it has now been confirmed to be Michele Bourda, the 59-year-old woman who had been missing for several weeks. Her husband, Chris Bourda, confirmed that Greek police found the body on the private island of Fidonisi, located about 40 kilometers from the beach where Michele was last seen.
Michele, who lived in Scotland with her husband, disappeared over a month ago near the northern Greek town of Kavala. Her disappearance prompted a large-scale search effort. The body was found by the crew of a passing yacht. Chris, a pharmacist of Greek origin, identified the remains and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. At the same time, he criticized the authorities for what he described as a slow response by the police and coastguard during the initial search.
Michele was last seen on August 1 on Ofrinio Beach, where she had been resting on a sun lounger. Earlier that day, surveillance footage from a nearby café showed the couple eating together. Her husband fell asleep on the sun lounger, and when he woke up, Michele had vanished without explanation. Her personal belongings—including a towel, medication, and bag—were left behind on the beach.
The search initially focused on the sea, with coastguards, fishing boats, and private vessels scouring the area. Police later expanded the search inland, deploying a special team with sniffer dogs and drones from Athens for two weeks. Despite these efforts, Michele remained missing.
Authorities now believe Michele drowned and that her body was carried to shore by sea currents. The final cause of death will be determined by a pending autopsy. Reports indicate that the condition of the body made identification difficult—it was described as “all bones,” and the head was missing, according to Glasgow Live.
Chris Bourda is heartbroken. The couple had known each other for decades, had a daughter together, and recently lived in Glasgow. He recalled their last hours together: despite windy weather, they went swimming one last time and then had crepes. Michele had said she was looking forward to a relaxing nap, but while he fell asleep, she disappeared without a trace.
It is known that Michele had struggled with depression and anxiety in the past. During a previous stressful period in London, she briefly went missing but was quickly found. Chris emphasized that she had recently seemed stable and was excited about their trip.
Chris again criticized the authorities, stating that lessons must be learned from this case. “It shouldn’t take three hours to file a missing persons report before a search begins,” he said. The Greek police investigation is ongoing, and the British Foreign Office is also involved.
For Michele Bourda’s family and friends, a long period of uncertainty has now come to a painful end. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Michele Bourda and wish them strength during this difficult time.
