Missing Brit discovered alive in Majorca after ‘collection of unlucky occasions’
Benjamin Ross, a trainee barrister who disappeared in Majorca, has been found, as per reports.
The 26-year-old from Golborne, Wigan, showed up at the British Consulate in Palma today feeling ‘tired and drained but alive,’ according to his family.
As they explained, he lost touch with his mother, Felix Robinson, after some unfortunate incidents, such as having his belongings stolen during a swim.
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His mother and he have had an emotional reunion at the consulate since his return. Felix expressed her gratitude saying, “I’m so incredibly grateful for all the help and support we’ve received. Everyone has been truly incredible. We are so relieved to have found him and are now focussed on getting him back to full health and home safe and well.”
(Image: Supplied)
The young man had been missing from the Spanish island since 10th of July, initially going there for what was supposed to be a dream break, visiting a friend last June before deciding to prolong his stay by securing a job and temporary living arrangements. He resided at Palma, central to the holiday hotspot, yet hadn’t made contact in close to two weeks.
This disappearance coincided with the new post-Brexit work processes which require Brits to secure a European work number. As noted by his family, Ben began this process on July 6, taking his ID, phone, wallet, iPad, and apartment keys in a bag when he went for a swim at the beach, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Upon his return, however, he discovered that his bag had been robbed.
The theft was reported at the local police station by Ben. He spent the rest of the day locating his apartment, where he had to break a lock to gain entry.
(Image: Felix Robinson)
A statement released on behalf of the family reads: “The following days with his flatmates were tough as tensions about the broken door developed, despite his promising to pay for the damages caused under the extenuating circumstances.”
“Ben had kept in touch with his mum, who on the 10th of July, tried to help him secure access to his online bank account, which proved difficult due to the lack of a mobile phone.”
“He went out to arrange a new phone, but due to local policies around identification for a new sim card and phone, he failed to do so. Upon returning to the flat, Ben’s mental health had declined and the distress of what was going on caused him to cut communications with his mum.”
The statement adds that Felix received an email which made her ‘seriously concerned’ for her son’s welfare.
She reported him missing to Greater Manchester Police and the Foreign Office and she flew out to Majorca to begin ‘door-to-door’ and ‘on the ground’ searches for her son, landing on Saturday. Ben, who it is said had been forced to leave his apartment, arrived at the consultant ‘tired, and drained but alive.’
(Image: Supplied)
Felix was described as being ‘incredibly relieved’ to be able to hug her son after their reunion.
The family statement reads: “For now, Felix and her family are requesting some privacy whilst they get Ben back to full strength and home, and they want to extend their thanks to the press, media and public for all their support in finding him”.
“They now have the task of arranging an emergency passport alongside making sure he is well enough to fly home following treatment for dehydration and exhaustion.”
It further adds that all contributions made to a GoFundMe page set up by friends will be donated to the charity Andy’s Man Club once they return home in the coming week.
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