A large scale search for missing Freshwater man Dennis Steel ended on a positive note last night (Tuesday) when he was found safe and well in Newport.
Mr Steel, who went missing from his home at Brambles Chine, was last seen at around 18:00. Due to his dementia and diabetes, Dennis was deemed to be a high risk missing person prompting Police, WightSAR and the National Police Air Service helicopter to launch a search in the West Wight.
Locals have told Island Echo that Dennis was seen walking up Monks Lane towards the main road at around 18:30. It is understood he then caught a bus – without a face mask and without paying – and travelled into the heart of Newport, some 10 miles from his home.
An eagle-eyed member of the public spotted the 79-year-old in Hunnyhill and was able to take him to nearby St Mary’s Hospital – an appropriate place of safety. Dennis was cared for by staff and given a cup of tea and a pack of biscuits.
Alistar Steel, Dennis’ son, has taken to social media to say:
“I can’t start to thank everybody that helped tonight.
“Dad is very confused and somehow managed to get a bus with no mask or money, and someone who recognised him from the Facebook post got him to the hospital.
“Once again, thank you everyone”.
Article continues below this advertisement
Great result and proves the value of the Echo, and facebook etc in doing what the Police would take days, then often sadly too late of getting the endangered persons image onto our tv screens for a brief few seconds.
Well done to the lady who spotted him. This could happen to any of our loved ones so nice to hear of a happy conclusion.
So pleased you had a happy ending
Why wasn’t the bus driver concerned? No mask no money? Surely alarm bells should ring?
Great care home he must be in….not
What a sad little man you are…….