Desperate relatives are turning to social media in a bid to trace British residents who disappeared during the catastrophic wildfire that has claimed at least 11 lives in Los Gallardos and Bedar, Almeria.
As emergency crews continue searching the devastated fire zone, families have shared photographs and heartfelt appeals in the hope someone has seen their loved ones.
One of the latest appeals comes from Danielle Gillam-Kirton, who says she has been unable to contact her parents, Pete and Fran Gillam, since they evacuated their home in Bedar on Thursday evening.
Sharing a black-and-white photograph of the couple together, she wrote: ‘Friends in Spain, please share.
‘My parents, Pete and Fran Gillam, live in Bedar and we are trying to get in touch with them to make sure they are OK.’
She said her mother’s final text message arrived at 6.53pm on Thursday, telling the family they were evacuating because of the wildfire.
‘None of our messages or calls since have been successful,’ she added.
The family believe Pete and Fran may have travelled to Lubrin or Los Gallardos, and have appealed for anyone who has seen them to come forward.
Appeal to find Annette Kilgour
In a separate appeal, the Mojacar Area Cancer Support (MACS) charity is asking for help locating Annette Kilgour, whose family say they have also been unable to contact her.
The charity has circulated a recent photograph of Annette and urged anyone who has seen or spoken to her to contact them immediately.
‘Simon and Lisa’ also missing
Another widely shared post in the Mojacar Playa Community Facebook group asks evacuees to look out for a couple named Simon and Lisa.
The message says the pair became cut off by the wildfire and have not been heard from since, adding that Simon uses crutches, which has heightened concerns for his safety.
Fears grow as 19 remain unaccounted for
The appeals come as Andalucia’s regional president Juanma Moreno confirmed that 19 people remain missing following the devastating wildfire, which has already killed 11 people and injured eight others, four of them seriously.
Emergency teams continue searching the affected area, with authorities warning that the death toll could still rise as rescue operations continue.
The Spanish Eye will continue updating this story as more information becomes available.
If you have any information that could help the families of those missing email news@thespanisheye.com
