British Tourist Missing for 48 Hours Found Dehydrated in Costa del Sol

A British Pensioner's Mysterious Disappearance and Dramatic Rescue

A 76-year-old British pensioner was found dehydrated nearly 48 hours after going missing from a bar on the Costa del Sol. The incident has raised concerns about his well-being and sparked a widespread search for him.

Clifford Wildgoose vanished from Patrick's 19th Hole Bar in Puerto Banus, a luxurious resort near Marbella, around 2 a.m. on Saturday, September 20. His daughter, Melanie Hall, shared how the family had been extremely worried about their father’s disappearance. She explained that he had left his phone and passport in a friend's apartment in La Cala de Mijas, approximately 30 minutes away from the bar.

Authorities investigated payments made on Mr. Wildgoose’s card on the morning of his disappearance and the night before, trying to trace his movements. As concerns grew, especially after he missed a flight back to Manchester on Sunday morning, a large-scale search was initiated through social media and local press.

The breakthrough came when an American tourist spotted Mr. Wildgoose in a supermarket after reading one of the appeals. The tourist immediately called Melanie, who then alerted the authorities. Spanish police rushed to the scene, where they reunited the family with their father.

Melanie expressed her relief, stating, "To say I'm delighted is an understatement." She quickly contacted the police, who arrived to pick up her father and take him to the hospital. At the time of the call, Mr. Wildgoose’s wife, Joanne, and other relatives had just landed in Spain to assist in the search.

The family had been deeply concerned about Mr. Wildgoose, who suffers from health issues, including a previous knee replacement. Melanie noted that her father was not steady on his feet and appeared very tired when found. Although he was dehydrated, the most important thing was that he was safe.

She added, "It's amazing that an American tourist recognized my dad the way he did." Mr. Wildgoose had only traveled to Spain for the weekend to visit a friend and was reportedly unwell when he disappeared.

Despite the dramatic rescue, there is still no clear explanation for his disappearance. Melanie emphasized that the priority was ensuring her father's safety and receiving medical attention. She thanked everyone involved in the search, stating, "I can't thank them enough."

Key Details of the Incident

• Location: Patrick's 19th Hole Bar in Puerto Banus, near Marbella.
• Time of Disappearance: Around 2 a.m. on Saturday, September 20.
• Family Concerns: The family was worried due to Mr. Wildgoose’s health issues and the fact that he left his phone and passport behind.
• Search Efforts: Social media and local press were used to locate him.
• Breakthrough: An American tourist spotted him in a supermarket and alerted the family.
• Current Status: Mr. Wildgoose was found dehydrated and taken to the hospital for treatment.

This incident highlights the importance of community involvement and the power of social media in locating missing individuals. It also underscores the vulnerability of elderly individuals, particularly those with health conditions, when they go missing.