Volunteers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have made their way to Greece as the search for a retired deputy ramps up.
Albert Calibet, 59 of Hermosa Beach, went missing June 11 while on a hike on the Greek island of Amorgos. The island was experiencing an extreme heat wave at the time, with temperatures as high as 97 degrees.
After he went missing, Calibet’s girlfriend and brother traveled to the island to aid with the search. Now, according to an online fundraiser, two “waves” of volunteers with the Sheriff’s Department have flown out to Greece to help bring Calibet home.
“Good morning. It’s Friday evening 6pm on Amorgos. thanks to your generosity, our 2nd wave just got to the island after 30hrs of 3 plane rides and one ferry,” said Robin Winston, the GoFundMe organizer who was identified as Calibet’s best friend. “They’re briefing with Oliver now and anxious to get started. Thank you for keeping Albert in your prayers.”
The money raised from the fundraiser, which has brought in more than $35,000 as of Saturday morning, goes toward plane tickets, drones, hotel stays and meals for those helping with the search.
Winston told KTLA that Amorgos, about half the size of Catalina Island, is low on resources and doesn’t have an airport, making it tough to access.
In a statement, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said 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.”