The family of a Celtic fan who vanished after travelling to Lanzarote have flown out to the Spanish island to join search efforts for him two weeks after he disappeared.
Gary Watson Shearer, 53, was reported missing from the resort town of Puerto del Carmen after having a few drinks in a pub called Bar 67 on March 14. The dad, from Renfrew, is known to have type-2 diabetes and is believed to be prone to seizures.
He had flown out to the Canary Island for St Patrick's Day and reports have suggested he disappeared after being prevented from getting into a taxi outside the pub. He was reported missing after failing to appear for his flight home.
Posting on Facebook, his sister Michelle Shearer said a search was taking place at noon local time on Thursday. Sharing an image of a poster of Gary put together by the pub, she said: "Thank you so much Bar 67, can't thank you enough. Please come home bro."
Michelle, along with Gary's parents Ann and Daniel, are reported to have flown out to Lanzarote for the search, which is being supported by other local businesses in Puerto del Carmen, a tourist hotspot. Paddy's Point Emerald Isle, an Irish pub in the town, has written on Facebook that it will be supporting those taking part.
Bar 67 says the family has been "absolutely devastated" by his disappearance. The business said online: "[They are] such nice people and they just want their family member home so if anyone knows anything please message me."
Writing below a post on the pub's Facebook page, Gary's sister Nikki Shearer said: "Can’t thank you and your staff enough...honestly overwhelmed at the kindness yous have all shown my family."
Spanish police have also taken the rare step of issuing a public appeal for information. The Civil Guard has urged locals and holidaymakers to keep an eye out for Gary – but referred to him in a short statement as Gary James Watson.
A spokesperson for the force on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria said: “We are seeking the public’s help in discovering the whereabouts of 53-year-old Gary James Watson. He was last seen in Puerto del Carmen when he was wearing a green and white Celtic football top, white shorts and white trainers.
“We urge anyone with any piece of information they think could be of interest to us and may help us find Gary to contact us.” They also put out a description of the missing man, describing him as just over 5ft 2 with grey/black hair and a slight limp.
It is unclear whether Spanish police have spoken to the taxi driver who reportedly refused Gary entry into his vehicle on March 16.
Earlier this month a British woman vanished on the Canary island of Tenerife. Kate Barley, 60, turned up ‘safe and well’ nearly a week after she went missing following an appeal from her husband.
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