A former Los Angeles County deputy, Albert Cailbert, has mysteriously disappeared on a Greek island during a hiking excursion. Albert Cailbert, a 59-year-old with dual citizenship in Greece and an experienced hiker, has been reported missing since June 11.

Albert Cailbert did not show up for a scheduled lunch in Amorgos, sparking major search operations, as the New York Post reports.

Calibert set out at the break of dawn on June 11 for what was supposed to be a four-hour scenic hike on the island of Amorgos. He planned to meet a friend at a local restaurant for lunch to catch up and enjoy the beautiful views.

However, concerns arose when Cailbert failed to appear by 3:30 p.m., several hours past the expected time. His friend, growing worried by the uncharacteristic no-show, promptly notified the local authorities about the situation, kicking off a thorough search.

Albert Last Communicated Through a Trail Sign Picture

Earlier on the day of his disappearance, Albert sent his sister a picture of a trail sign, marking his last known act of communication. Despite having two cell phones on him, repeated calls to his numbers went unanswered, raising further alarm among his loved ones and the community.

By June 13, after extensive searching, there was still no sign of Cailbert. His sudden disappearance puzzled many, especially considering his extensive local knowledge and hiking experience on Amorgos.

Family and Friends Join Forces in Search

Reacting to the distressing news, a skilled group of friends and family members equipped with search and rescue knowledge arrived on Amorgos to assist with the operations. They began coordinating efforts from a makeshift command center established by the family in Hermosa Beach.

This command center serves as a crucial link, maintaining constant contact with both Greek authorities and the friend who was supposed to meet Albert for the ill-fated lunch. Together, they have been compiling information and planning the ongoing search efforts.

Local Authorities Surprised by Disappearance

Popi Despotide, Amorgos Deputy Mayor of Tourism, expressed surprise over the incident, given Albert's familiarity with the area. "It is strange because he is not a person who walked the route for the first time," she remarked, highlighting his extensive experience on these trails.

Moreover, the search has been complicated by a severe heatwave hitting the island, with temperatures soaring high and a warning in effect until the conclusion of the search day on June 13," added Despotide.

Concerns Heightened by Recent Similar Incident

Concerns about Albert’s safety are particularly high due to the recent memory of a similar incident. Just weeks prior, British TV presenter Michael Mosley went missing under analogous circumstances while hiking in Greece, although in a different location.

Hellenic Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou acknowledged the grim situation: “Unfortunately, so far we have no exam news about either of them,” representing a sobering reminder of the unpredictability and potential dangers of hiking in secluded areas.

Brother Holds on to Hope Amid Despair

Albert's brother, Oliver Caliber, expressed his deep concern and fading hope as the search continued without success. “We’re almost on three days here,” he said, his voice heavy with worry. “There’s no water… I’m very distraught.”

"My best hope is they find him and they can patch him up and get him home," Oliver added, clinging to the possibility of a positive outcome amidst the distressing circumstances.

Community and Authorities Continue the Search

The search teams, both professional and volunteer, remain relentless in their efforts, combing through the rugged terrains of Amorgos. The community and authorities have been mobilized, with everyone hoping for the safe return of the well-loved former deputy.

As the search extends into its second week, the motivations and spirits of the search teams are tested, yet their commitment remains unwavering, reflecting the collective desire of a community in distress over the mysterious disappearance of one of their own.

In conclusion, the disappearance of Albert Cailbert on the island of Amorgos remains a heartrending mystery. His familiarization with the area, combined with his extensive hiking experience, makes his sudden disappearance particularly puzzling.

Authorities, alongside a dedicated team of family and friends, continue to scour the island, determined to uncover any sign of the missing hiker amidst increasingly challenging conditions.