Missing Photographer Thanks Searchers After Ordeal
In a remarkable turn of events, Chris Ellery, a 54-year-old photographer from Bristol, expressed his gratitude to those who aided in the search for him after he went missing while on a solo boating trip in the Irish Sea. His disappearance last Thursday from Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, triggered an extensive search effort that captivated local communities and emergency services.
Journey to Safety
Ellery reemerged on Saturday when he walked into a police station in County Wicklow, Ireland. There, local officers described him as “tired but okay.” He took to social media shortly after his safe arrival, thanking everyone for their support during the challenging days that followed his disappearance.
Ellery emphasized the importance of community support, stating that the kind messages he received helped sustain his family and friends throughout the ordeal.
He also recognized the dedication of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and HM Coastguard volunteers who scoured the Pembrokeshire coastline in search of him. In light of their efforts, Ellery has initiated a GoFundMe page to assist these organizations in their ongoing missions.
A Difficult Experience
After failing to return as planned from his trip to Ireland, Ellery’s family became concerned and traveled to Fishguard. His daughter Kenzie made an appeal on social media for assistance in locating him. Once safe, he shared his emotional journey back home with police officers.
Ellery described arriving at Kilmichael Point as a “beautiful remote part of Ireland” and recounted how a local named Shay offered him a ride to the nearest police station when he learned it was 26 kilometers away.
During his time in Ireland, Ellery found warmth not only from the locals but also from a welcoming B&B owner named Eammon. He was introduced to local specialties and enjoyed friendly interactions with patrons at the pub.
Community Response and Broader Impact
The Prime Minister of Ireland even shared words of encouragement regarding Ellery’s story upon hearing about his adventure. With humor and kindness surrounding him, he acknowledged the support he received from everyone involved in his rescue.
Ellery concluded by playfully encouraging potential romantic interests for Shay, highlighting the sense of community that emerged from this harrowing experience.
Despite facing significant challenges during his journey across the Irish Sea due to engine troubles with his inflatable boat—leaving him without working communication—Ellery’s story serves as a reminder of resilience and human kindness in times of crisis. As we reflect on this incident, it reinforces the importance of community vigilance and support in ensuring safety on our waters.