A search and rescue team from Northern Ireland has travelled to Spain to assist in the hunt for missing Belfast man, John Hardy. Known as John George, the 37-year-old father of two disappeared after last contacting his family on 14 December.
Hardy had travelled to Alicante to visit friends and was last seen driving to Benidorm. Concerns grew when he missed his flight home on 18 December, a journey he was expected to make to spend Christmas with his children. His mobile phone has remained off since 14 December.
Family seeks closure
In a heartfelt plea posted on social media, Hardy’s father, Billy, implored for his son’s return. “Please just give me my son,” he said in a video shared on New Year’s Day. “That’s all I want, just my son.”
Spanish police suspect Hardy was killed shortly after his last contact. Despite this, his family has vowed to continue their search until his body is recovered and brought back to Belfast.
K9 search team joins efforts
On 1 January, seven members of K9 Search and Rescue NI, along with a specially trained search dog, travelled to Alicante to aid in the search. The team will collaborate with their Spanish counterparts from the Evolsar Search and Rescue Team, who are also deploying a search dog.
A spokesperson for K9 Search and Rescue NI stated on social media, “Seven of our team and one K9 are on their way to Alicante, Spain, from various airports. We will join Evolsar colleagues in the search for a missing man from Northern Ireland. We hope to update you on our progress.”
The challenge of missing persons in Spain
Sadly, people go missing in Spain every day for all different reasons. Some, thankfully, are able to return home, while others do not. A missing friend or relative is always heartbreaking, but it can be even harder in a foreign country.
InSpain.news has reported on several missing persons cases, including Levi Davis and Jay Slater, as well as many others who live in Spain. Levi is still listed as missing, whereas human remains of Jay Slater were found 29 days after his disappearance.
Each case highlights the emotional toll and complexity of such searches, particularly when language barriers and unfamiliar legal systems add to the challenges faced by families.
Police Cooperation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed they are in contact with Hardy’s family and have offered assistance to Spanish authorities. A PSNI statement released on Tuesday said, “We will assist with any local enquiries as requested by investigators in Spain.”
Community Support
A GoFundMe page set up to aid the family’s efforts has raised almost £24,000 so far. The funds are being used to support the search operation and cover associated expenses.
Billy Hardy remains determined to find his son. “This is going on too long,” he said in his New Year’s plea. “I’m staying until I get him. Please just give me my son.”