Michael Mosley's body 'identified by watch' after tragic discovery near beach – World News

Greek police were able to identify Michael Mosley thanks to his watch, according to the Mirror.

A body was found over the weekend during the search for the missing TV presenter and doctor on Wednesday while walking on the island of Symi. His disappearance sparked a major manhunt with mountain rescue teams and divers scouring the surrounding land and sea near where he was last seen.

But the operation came to a tragic end on Sunday morning when it was confirmed that a body had been found near the local caves known as 'The Abyss'. Greek police confirmed on Sunday that the body was believed to be that of the missing 67-year-old.

He left at midday on Wednesday for a walk after spending time with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey, at the beach at Agios Nikolaos on the island. Leaving his phone behind, Michael only took a bottle of water, his wallet and an umbrella from his backpack.

But it was his watch that caught the attention of local bar manager Ilias Tsavaris after it gleamed in the sun. Authorities said Michael appeared to have fallen off the edge of a 10-meter cliff and was found near Agia Marina beach on the island.

He was spotted by crews from a boat in the water, and the nearby bar was called to take a closer look. Mr Tsavaris said he tried to approach the scene, before the alarm was raised to the police.

Symi Mayor Eleftherios Papakalodouk said he was on the boat at the time and crews were zooming in on the sighting to confirm their suspicions. A statement from the mayor read: “During our research, and as we approached a cave next to Agia Marina beach, we were filming along the coastline with cameras.

“We saw an object near a fence on the beach and when we zoomed in we realized it was the body of Michael Mosley. He had probably fallen off a small cliff about 10 meters. “

Police sources on the island reportedly told the BBC they believed the body – which has still not been identified – had been there for several days. Earlier on Sunday morning, it was confirmed that Greek search and rescue teams had removed their sniffer dog and returned to Athens, apparently out of fear of the impact of the prolonged heat on the animal.