Missing Michael Mosley search: Sniffer dog withdrawn amid extreme heat as efforts continue

Search teams, including a sniffer dog, looking for Michael Mosley have reportedly left the scene and returned to Athens, possibly due to concerns over the dog's health.

The TV doctor was last seen in the town of Pedi on the Aegean island of Symi on Wednesday at 1.52pm, roughly 20 minutes after he departed from St Nickolas beach on a hiking trail. It was speculated that he may have encountered difficulties during his hike, but on Saturday night, searchers shifted their attention to a cave system known as The Abyss, where they believe he might have gone.

Speaking live from Symi on BBC Breakfast on Sunday morning, BBC Correspondent Joe Inwood said: "The authorities have said that they will continue the search, they will continue to look for Michael Mosley until he is found, but the longer it goes on the more that hope will dwindle I'm sorry to say.

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"Another thing we've learned this morning is that the search and rescue dog who had been on the hillside is being sent back to Athens. Now that could be a sign that they are winding down, but it's also being reported that it's so hot here that the dog has been burning its paws on the hillside and so can't work because of the heat.

"Now we don't know which of those it is but that is a development we've had in the last hour or so."

Helicopters, drones, dogs and numerous emergency responders are still combing the Dodecanese Island. Local police were notified about the disappearance of the 67 year old British national on the island on Wednesday, reports the Mirror.

The search for Dr Mosley is being spearheaded by the Fire Brigade, with support from the Hellenic Police, Civil Protection, volunteers and a police dog. Drones are also being utilised in the search efforts.

Dr Mosley was last seen on CCTV at a grey-stoned house located next to a harbour on the island. It's believed he may have taken a walk along a steep uphill concrete road.

At the end of this street, a small path leads into a rocky landscape characterised by thistles and dry grass.

Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas, the mayor of Symi, has pledged to continue the extensive search operation which involves police, firefighters with drones, and divers. Speaking through a translator, the long-serving mayor questioned how anyone could survive in the heat that exceeded 40C on the day the 'Trust Me, I'm A Doctor' presenter disappeared.

On Saturday, Michael's family broke their silence through his wife. In an emotional statement, the first made public since her husband's disappearance, Dr Bailey Mosley said: "It has been three days since Michael left the beach to go for a walk. The longest and most unbearable days for myself and my children."

"The search is ongoing and our family are so incredibly grateful to the people of Symi, the Greek authorities and the British Consulate who are working tirelessly to help find Michael. We will not lose hope."

The mayor's daughter, Mika Papakalodouka, informed PA news agency on Friday that "a lot of" island residents had joined the search to find the British national using their own boats.

"It is a small island, people talk. We're good people actually here. Everybody is looking for him," the 20 year old informed PA. "It's such a small island to get lost on. It's so weird for us. Everybody is worried and looking for him."