A volunteer canine search team has returned home after searching for John George in Spain, where he went missing during a holiday.
Alicante: A dedicated team from K9 Search And Rescue NI recently returned from Spain after searching for John George, a 37-year-old man who went missing while on holiday.
John, also known as John Hardy, last contacted his family on December 14. He was reported missing four days later when he didn’t board his flight back to Northern Ireland.
His family fears the worst, believing he may not be alive. The search team included seven K9 technicians and their trusty Labrador, Rocko.
They covered a massive area of nearly 1,200 acres, walking over 350 kilometers with the help of dogs and a drone.
Rocko, trained for victim recovery, played a key role in the search. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, they didn’t find any clues about John’s whereabouts.
Alicia Huntley, one of the handlers, shared how important it was for them to assist the family during this tough time.
She and her colleague Gary Pullen returned to Dublin Airport on Sunday night after the search. Alicia described the areas they searched as varied, some dense and others more open.
She mentioned how Rocko worked hard, using his sense of smell to guide them. They faced challenges, especially with the heat, but the team managed well.
Alicia emphasized the importance of their presence for the family, saying it felt good to help in any way they could.
Gary added that their efforts provided a morale boost for John’s family, who were also searching for him.
He expressed gratitude to Iberia Airlines for accommodating Rocko during their travels, as logistics were tricky with team members coming from different locations.
Despite not finding anything, Gary said they were ready to return if needed. Searching for a body is tough, but Rocko’s skills are invaluable.
Ryan, their team leader, coordinated with the family and Spanish authorities to focus their search efforts effectively.
John’s brother, Darren, has been actively involved in the search alongside family and friends, urging anyone with information to come forward.
