Family and friends of a 58-year-old retired L.A. County deputy sheriff who went missing three days ago on a remote Greek island are desperate for answers.
Albert Calibet set out on a hike Tuesday morning on the Greek island of Amorgos, a vacation destination he’s visited dozens of times, and was supposed to meet a friend at the end of his trek.
Unfortunately, the 58-year-old, who friends describe as a kind and generous man who easily makes friends, never showed up to the meeting with his friend.
“The clock is ticking, and we feel like we’re losing time,” family friend Robin Wintson León told KTLA’s John Fenoglio.
What’s so concerning for friends and family is that Calibet is a seasoned hiker who has made it across the island’s rugged terrain many times.
“He’s physically fit,” his sister-in-law Sandrine Cutright said. “He swims every day, he runs.”
In Hermosa Beach, loved ones have been getting most of their news through a WhatsApp group thread. Calibet’s friends on Amorgos say that so far, limited search efforts by Greek authorities have been unsuccessful.
“There are so few resources on the island and [especially] on that part of the island,” León said. “There’s no airport, there’s only 2,000 people. It’s half the size of Catalina.”
Cutright explained that search and rescue teams cannot search at night because the terrain is too dangerous, suggesting that if they could get a night-vision drone that detects heat, that might help in the search.
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna released a statement on the 58-year-old’s disappearance, saying in part:
“We are actively collaborating with multiple agencies abroad to provide assistance in the search for Deputy Calibet and will use every resource we have available to bring him back to those who love him.”
In the meantime, the retired deputy’s brother, Oliver, as well as other friends in Europe, are racing to the island to help with the search because they know time is running out.
“He is hurt somewhere, and he needs to be brought home now,” Lynn said through tears. “Anyone who hears this story and has resources, please come help us save our friend Albert. Send the cavalry for Albert Calibet.”
While the 58-year-old was retired, he continued to work for LASD’s Transit Services Bureau and his family is sharing his story in hopes someone could provide resources to help search for him in Greece.
A GoFundMe has been organized to help cover the cost of search and rescue efforts.