A search and rescue operation is underway for a 59-year-old American who was reported missing Tuesday after failing to return from a hike on a Greek island.
Albert Calibet, a former Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputy, failed to return from a hike on the Greek island Amorgos amid extreme heat, with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. He was hiking from Aegiali toward Katapola, which takes roughly four hours.
Calibet reportedly began his hike at 7 a.m. local time on Tuesday and was last seen at 11 a.m. by walkers he met with on a trail, according to Hellenic Police.
View of Amorgos Island in Greece.
STOCK PHOTO/Adobe Stock
A woman who runs a small refreshment stand told police she saw him around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, supplying him with water and refreshments.
He was due to meet with a friend between noon and 1 p.m. at the end of a trail, but Calibet never made it to the meetup point, Hellenic Police said.
The friend tried calling Calibet on his phone, but there was no answer, so the friend reported him missing to local authorities.
Calibet has reportedly visited the island many times and knows the trail and area very well.
A Hellenic Fire Department helicopter and a drone are aiding in an aerial search for Calibet in ravines and areas that are not walkable, while rescue teams have already walked the trail twice, according to police.
Locals who know the rugged terrain well, including shepherds, are all involved. The search was described as “extensive,” with the operation shifting focus beyond the trail now that it has been thoroughly checked, Kalliopi Despotidl, the deputy mayor of Amogros island, told ABC News.
Landscape varies around the trail where Calibet went missing, with some rocky cliffs and gorges, according to Despotidl.
“The terrain is not flat. The trail from Aegiali to Katapola is marked and well-trodden. But he might have gone off the marked area, and that is why they have expanded their search,” Despotidl said.
The deputy mayor also said Calibet is well known on the island, saying she’s seen him coming to Amorgos for at least 10 years. He’s a regular visitor and loves hiking. “He knows the paths better than me,” she said.
Eric Albert Calibet is seen in this undated image.
Municipality of Amorgos
Calibet joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and has continued to be a part-time employee since he retired in 2018, according to the department.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Calibet’s family and friends and our hope is that we can bring him home safely,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “We are actively collaborating with multiple agencies abroad to provide assistance in the search for Deputy Calibet and will use every resource we have available to bring him back to those who love him.”
The brother of the missing American, Oliver Calibet, and the missing American’s girlfriend, Debbie LaShane, arrived in Greece on Friday to help in the search and rescue efforts for Albert Calibet.
LaShane and Albert Calibet talked on the phone just before he set out on his trek Tuesday morning, LaShane told ABC News.
“He called me right before he was leaving for the hike. … It was 7:07 [a.m.] in Greece, and then we spoke six minutes, and then he sent me a picture at 9:20 [a.m.] at the trail head with the sign. And we have not spoken since,” LaShane said.
It’s been “excruciating; awful. Walking around in a daze, sick to our stomachs knowing that he’s out there somewhere,” LaShane said.
“Time is of the essence because it’s on the fourth day, so it’s not good. But, we’re very positive,” Oliver Calibet said.
A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy has been reported missing while hiking on the Greek island of Crete. The deputy, identified as John Doe, was last seen on Tuesday morning when he set out for a hike in the rugged terrain of the island.
According to authorities, Doe was reported missing by his hiking companions after he failed to return to their meeting point at the designated time. Search and rescue teams have been deployed to scour the area for any sign of the missing deputy.
Doe, who is an experienced hiker, was said to be well-prepared for his hike with appropriate gear and supplies. However, the rugged and challenging terrain of Crete can be treacherous, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has issued a statement expressing their concern for Doe’s well-being and stating that they are working closely with Greek authorities to coordinate search efforts. They are also in contact with Doe’s family to provide updates and support during this difficult time.
The news of Doe’s disappearance has sparked concern among his colleagues and the law enforcement community in Los Angeles. Many are hoping for a positive outcome and praying for his safe return.
Hiking accidents and disappearances are not uncommon, especially in remote and challenging terrain like that found on the Greek islands. It serves as a reminder of the importance of proper preparation, staying on designated trails, and informing others of your plans when embarking on outdoor adventures.
As the search for Deputy Doe continues, authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward. The hope is that he will be found safe and sound, bringing an end to this worrying ordeal.
