Search for missing Israeli writer on Crete

A search and rescue mission began on Saturday. The woman, identified by media reports as 65-year-old Mikel Pelek, was last seen near her home in the Cretan village of Kavousi on Wednesday, June 4, and attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful since then.

Family members told the Walla news website that Pelek is active, often hiking in the area around her village and swimming in the sea.

“She always keeps in touch by phone and it was unusual for her to disappear like this,” her former brother-in-law told the news agency.

“We are concerned that she got into some trouble while traveling in the area. Time is not on our side.”

He said the Israeli diaspora community in Crete has come to the family’s aid and has joined the search for the 65-year-old.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Saturday night that it, along with the Israeli embassy in Greece, was in contact with the Israeli’s family as well as Greek police to coordinate search efforts.

“The Israeli insurance company Harel, which provides Pelek’s insurance, sent a three-member search and rescue team to the Greek island on Saturday to join the search efforts.

A member of the team said they were searching for her on foot, as well as with drones, among other things.

"We are in constant and direct contact with her family and the Israeli Foreign Ministry," he said.