Search continues on the Norfolk coast for missing windsurfer Chris Bamfield

161120 MISSING WINDSURFER ANG/POLICE/COASTGUARD
Emergency services are continuing to try and locate Chris Bamfield Credit: Norfolk Police/HM Coastguard

Emergency services have today resumed their search for windsurfer Chris Bamfield, who failed to return to shore off the coast of Hunstanton in Norfolk.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency says that a Coastguard fixed wing aircraft, a Coastguard helicopter and Cromer lifeboat are involved in the latest search.

Chris Bamfield's family have passed on their support to everyone involved in the search

"We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of the emergency services, volunteers, colleagues and local windsurfing and sailing organisations for all of the herculean effort they have put into helping us find Chris and for continuing to keep him in their thoughts. There's a reason we have built our lives in Norfolk and it's because of people like you all that we continue to call this home. He spent his career with King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council dedicated to making it the jewel in the crown he believes it should be. He has been windsurfing for 40 years, having recently reignited his passion and being welcomed back by the local community, and we all know how much he loves the sport. Chris is a fighter and even at the age of 65, he's stronger than most of us. Because of that, we ask you all to remain vigilant. He is always the personification of positivity, and we know that at times like these he would want us all to echo the words of one of his favourite bands. Keep the faith - Bon Jovi. The Bamfields"

Police were called just before 5:20pm on Saturday, 14 November, after he failed to return home from windsurfing along Hunstanton beach.

Coastguard personnel searched for the missing windsurfer throughout Saturday and Sunday night Credit: HM Coastguard

Chris is likely to have been wearing a bright orange helmet while windsurfing. He's:

  • A white male

  • 5ft 8 in height

  • has distinctive long, light blonde hair.

Chris Bamfield Credit: Norfolk Police

Police believe he parked his car in the area, and prepared to enter the water in a black wetsuit, carrying windsurfing equipment including a red and white sail.

Chris Bamfield failed to return after windsurfing off the coast of Hunstanton Credit: HM Coastguard

The search efforts started on Saturday night and continued throughout Sunday and have resumed this morning.

Chris Bamfield recently retired after 29 years at King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council

Anyone who may have seen Chris today, or anyone with information is asked to contact Norfolk Police on 101, quoting call number 313 of 14 November.