Parts of the boat and its contents were strewn across a Cornish beach
18:10, 07 Mar 2026Updated 18:17, 07 Mar 2026
75 year-old David Fretwell has been reported missing following his boat, “Green Goddess”, was located wrecked on Mexico Towans in Hayle(Image: Devon and Cornwall Police / Emma Brian )
There are growing concerns for the welfare of a skipper who is missing after the wreckage of his boat washed up on a beach in Cornwall.
Devon and Cornwall Police have issued an appeal for help to the community after David Fretwell was reported missing.
The 75-year-old was reported missing after his boat, Green Goddess, washed up in the Hayle area yesterday (Friday, March 6).
Three coastguard vessels, two RNLI lifeboats and a helicopter were scrambled to Mexico Towans beach after David’s boat was discovered all smashed up with its contents strewn across the sand.
People living nearby began to find parts of the hull, lifejackets, tins of paint coatings, gas canisters, personal belongings and even a seat, standing upright in the sand. The bulk of the debris was strewn around the Mexico Towans area of the beach, close to the Beachside Holiday Park.
At the time, a spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “A sailing vessel was reported to HM Coastguard at about 8.05am on Friday, March 6, to have broken up on the shoreline at Hayle beach, with no sign of any person on board.
Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of 75 year-old David Fretwell, who has been reported missing following his boat, “Green Goddess”, being located washed up in the Hayle area on March 6(Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)
“Coastguard Rescue Teams from St Ives, Portreath and Penzance were sent to check for anyone in distress, as well as an HM Coastguard helicopter and two RNLI lifeboats from St Ives. Devon and Cornwall Police were also informed.
“Searches did not locate any person in distress. HM Coastguard stood down its response at about 2.30pm, pending any new information.”
David is believed to have travelled along the north Cornwall coast via boat passing Padstow and Newquay before arriving in the St Ives area on Wednesday (March 4).
David is described as a white male, of slim build, with short grey hair and approximately 5ft 7in.
A spokesperson for the police force said: “If you have seen David, or know of their whereabouts, please call police immediately on 999, quoting log number 247 06/03/26.”
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