Search for British sailor missing in Dubai goes viral

Local and international communities have stepped forth to lend a helping hand in the search for a British sailor who has been missing in Dubai since May 27, with a Facebook page drawing the support of nearly 106,000 people.

However, the search for Timmy Andrew MacColl still continues.

In a bid to jog someone’s memory or garner information, a local volunteer group is organising a drive this weekend, asking for volunteers to help pass out flyers outside the Bur Dubai hotel where MacColl was last seen.

The message states: “Join us outside the Regent Palace Hotel, Bur Dubai at 9pm on Friday 8th June, Saturday 9th June and on Sunday 10th June from 1am.

“Sunday at 2am will be two weeks to the very moment that Timmy was last seen at that exact spot… and we must be there to talk to the public, taxi drivers, public, hotel doormen to jog their memories and give out flyers to raise awareness.”

‘He wants to be found’

Called a ‘devoted family man’, it has been reported that MacColl was in Dubai on May 26, 2012 when HMS Westminster docked in Port Rashid.

He left the ship the same day to get an autograph from Ducati motto GP rider Nicky Hayden at the Ducati Cafe in the Dubai Mall, according to the official website set up by his family and friends, Bringtimmyhome.co.uk.

A night out on in the town ultimately saw MacColl being put into a taxi by friends at 2am, Sunday morning where the taxi driver was paid up front and asked to return him to the ship.

MacColl was last seen wearing a red MotoGP T-shirt, dark-coloured long shorts and white trainers.

The married father of two is expecting his third child in October with wife Rachael.

The Royal Navy confirmed a member of HMS Westminster’s crew is missing in Dubai and said the Navy is working with local authorities.

In an official statement, it said: “We can confirm that a member of HMS Westminster’s crew, Leading Seaman Timothy MacColl, is currently missing in Dubai, in the UAE.

“This has been reported to the local authorities, who are currently treating the incident as a missing person event.

“The MOD (Ministry of Defence) is working closely with FCO (Foreign Office) and local authority representatives.

“His next of kin have been informed and are being provided with support from the Royal Navy.”

From Gosport in Hampshire, his wife Rachael said the last time she spoke to him he had arranged an internet video chat with her.

She told ITV1’s Daybreak in an emotional appeal: “He was really excited as we were going to Skype call the next day.

“He was moaning at me not to be late because I can sometimes take a while to get the computer up and running. He confirmed it with me at 2pm he would Skype from the Seaman’s Mission in Dubai and that call never came.”

She further said: “I wouldn’t say he’s disappeared. He’s missing, my husband wants to be found. I’m not sure what’s happened to him but I know wherever he is he wants to be found.”

Community support

The ‘Bring Timmy Home’ Facebook group admin, Nigel Donk Fleetwood, has been regularly posting updates on the search for MacColl.

Many well-wishers have posted comments on the Facebook page, while others have created the Twitter #BringTimmyHome hastag.

Flyers have also been posted at Dubai Airport, while others have offered donations to help fly Rachael and friends down here to search for MacColl, along with several members of the UK police volunteering to head to Dubai to assist authorities.

However, Fleetwood appealed: “If you want to do something, continue with the yellow ribbon campaign. That is so nice to keep Timmy in all our thoughts and also continues to raise awareness.”

Meanwhile, findtimmydubai@gmail.com is the official email set up by volunteers, along with contact details: 07775040222 and 07541513367

Anyone with information on MacColl can contact there or call Dubai Police.

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