The cause of death of a British woman who went missing from a sunbed has been confirmed by authorities in Greece. Mum of one, Michele Bourda, 59, disappeared as her husband Chris slept beside her at Ofrynio beach in Kavala on August 1.
Her body was found in the sea off Fidonisi Island over a month later by a passing boat. Medics have discounted foul play, confirming she almost certainly died due to drowning. Forensic scientist Nikos Kifnidis told The Sun there were no other injuries and he concluded her death was a result of drowning in the water. He said the swimsuit Ms Bourda was wearing was bought in the UK and was central to her being identified along with evidence of a previous operation on her chest.
Chris, 66, told local media outlet Protothema that identification had taken place on Saturday.
He said: “I am utterly devastated. I did what I could to recognise my wife because she was only bones… it’s a tragedy.”
The Greece-born pharmacist claimed the investigation wasn’t carried out properly and said he has filed a complaint against the police and coastguard.
Mr Bourda told the Daily Mail Ms Bourda had seemed “quite happy” on the day she disappeared, adding the couple went for a short swim.
She then ordered a few crepes and said they could have “a nice sleep” after. He added: “Unfortunately I fell asleep first and when I woke up she wasn’t there.”
He searched the beach and asked other beach-goers if they had seen his wife.
Police didn’t arrive until two hours later, according to Mr Bourda, who claimed officers did nothing on the day his partner of 40 years went missing.
He accused police of failing to use dogs, drones or helicopters to find his wife, who had long battled against depression and anxiety.
A FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities”.
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