Missing Boater in Irish Sea Thanks Search Efforts

Chris Ellery, who was reported missing after his small boat vanished in the Irish Sea, has expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the search operation. The disappearance of the 54-year-old keen photographer from Bristol occurred last Thursday when he did not come back from a solo journey originating from Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, prompting an extensive search effort. He was located in Ireland on Saturday, having walked into a police station in County Wicklow, where authorities noted he was “tired but OK”. On social media, Mr. Ellery conveyed his thanks to “everyone whose kind messages and support kept my family and friends going during these last few difficult days,” and also commended the “hundreds of RNLI and HM Coastguard volunteers” who conducted searches along the Pembrokeshire coastline for him. Furthermore, Mr. Ellery stated that he has established a Go Fund Me page with the aim to “help support these incredible organisations”. His family had journeyed to the port of Fishguard when communication with him ceased, and his daughter Kenzie utilized social media to issue an appeal for assistance. He declared, “Just to let everyone know I’m safe and sound back in the UK, I would like to express a massive thank you to everyone for your kind messages and support that kept my family and friends going during these last few difficult days.” Expressing gratitude for his family’s support, Mr. Ellery further stated: “One day I will share the difficult journey I experienced across the Irish Sea, but for now I will focus on the positive and lighter side of my time in Ireland.” He recounted his arrival on the shores of Kilmichael Point, which he described as “a beautiful remote part of Ireland”. He continued, “Then while walking to a local Garda police station, a kind soul called Shay pulled up in his car and asked if I would like a lift, telling me the nearest station was 26km away, but was happy to take me to the station in Baltinglass.” Mr. Ellery added, “Shay then told me he is currently not working, made his stopping more special, someone with little money would give his last penny to help a stranger.” On Saturday, Mr. Ellery entered the police station and shared his account with officers, who then facilitated contact with his family. He stated that he became “very emotional” upon hearing their voices and mentioned that local residents made him feel welcome in the vicinity. He reported, “Garda officer Brendan contacted a local B&B in Baltinglass.” He continued, “Owner Eammon offered me a warm welcome into his Horan accommodation and pub, introducing me to his selection of fine ciders and telling all the pub regulars ‘this is Chris Ellery’.” Mr. Ellery also noted, “The PM of Ireland posted a message of support about Chris after landing on the Irish shores from Wales. They laughed and chuckled about my story.” Mr. Ellery expressed appreciation for everyone who assisted him, particularly Shay, stating: “Shay mentioned he would one day love to be a father. Just one problem is he needs a girlfriend. So I would like to reach out to the lovely ladies of Ireland who are looking for love, Shay would make a wonderful husband and father.” According to a Coastguard spokesman, Mr. Ellery departed from French Camp Bay on Thursday with the intention of returning the next day. However, while proceeding west in the direction of Ireland, his three-metre (10ft) black inflatable boat experienced engine difficulties. The spokesman reported, “He broke down, but managed to get it going again. But his phone had also stopped working.” “He came ashore in County Wicklow and made his way to a local police station. They contacted Dyfed-Powys Police,” the spokesman concluded.