New Search for Missing Sailor Simon Parkes, Disappointing Results

A fresh search operation for Simon Parkes, a sailor who disappeared 36 years ago, has yielded disappointing results. Simon Parkes was last seen in 1986 while his ship was docked in Gibraltar on its way back to Portsmouth. Despite extensive search efforts launched at the time, he was never found, leaving his parents in search of answers.

Recently, a new line of inquiry prompted Hampshire Constabulary to deploy nine officers to Gibraltar. The team conducted excavation work at the Town Range car park between Monday and Thursday, focusing on water tanks and the surrounding area. Regrettably, the search did not yield any new evidence to advance the investigation into Simon’s disappearance.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Edwards, who is supervising the inquiry, explained, “Specialist officers have spent four days in Gibraltar following a potential new line of inquiry. We have excavated a small area at Town Range Car Park, around and inside of, some water tanks and have assessed the material removed. Disappointingly we have not identified anything that helps to move the investigation into Simon’s disappearance forward.”

Despite the disappointing outcome, Detective Chief Inspector Edwards emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. However, there are currently no plans to expand the search area or explore other locations.

Simon Parkes, a radio operator from Kingswood near Bristol, was just 18 years old when he went missing. His unexplained disappearance has remained a mystery for over three decades, leaving his family longing for answers. The exhaustive efforts to locate him over the years demonstrate the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to resolve long-standing cases.

While this latest search may not have yielded the desired outcome, the authorities’ continued dedication to uncovering the truth underscores their commitment to bringing closure to the Parkes family and shedding light on a perplexing and tragic disappearance that has haunted them for years.