Headless Body of British Tourist found in Greece Identified as missing Woman
CRETE, GREECE – The headless body discovered off the coast of Crete this summer has been identified as Michele Bourda, a 60-year-old British tourist who disappeared in February, authorities confirmed this week. The body, partially eaten by fish, was found by a local fisherman and its identification was made possible thru forensic analysis.bourda’s husband, Chris Mari, a 60-year-old pharmacist from Glasgow, expressed devastation and frustration with the initial Greek police inquiry. He stated they initially believed she had eloped with a stranger,a theory he vehemently disputed. ”They claimed to have disappeared with a stranger. (…) But I knew it was not the case. She would not have left without her money, her glasses and her drugs,” he told Le Parisien.
Bourda had been missing for several weeks. Mari reported that police initially found no signs of drowning. The couple had been married for 36 years, and Mari expressed regret that authorities and local residents did not take the search more seriously.
Bourda had a history of psychological problems, including a previous disappearance during a depression crisis following a job loss in London, where police were able to locate her. She had reportedly been recovering from a recent bout of illness in February, with Mari stating she was in good spirits the night before her disappearance. “All night before, she had held my hand and it is impossible to think that something was wrong or that such a thing could happen,” he said.
Greek authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bourda’s death. The case highlights the challenges faced by tourists traveling abroad and the importance of thorough investigations into missing persons reports.
