Concern mounts among Michael Miranda’s loved ones as search nears two weeks
The family of a missing man have expressed concern after receiving no leads or sightings of him in 13 days.
Fifty-eight-year-old Bermudian Michael Miranda was first reported missing on March 27, found a day later, and then reportedly went missing again.
He was last seen by police on March 28 in the City of Hamilton, near the Salvation Army facility on North Street, around midday.
Police renewed their appeal to locate him on April 4 and have since intensified search efforts.
According to Mr Miranda’s niece, Stephanie Tankard, it is not common for him to go missing.
She explained: “He is in a mentally fragile or vulnerable state right now, so we just want to be able to find him and get him the care that he needs. We know he’s not taking any of his medications because he doesn’t have them. He has no money, nothing on him besides the clothes on his back.”
Known to her as “Uncle Mikey,” Ms Tankard described him as a “very easy-going, fun-loving, kind of go-with-the-wind type of person” before his mental state began to deteriorate.
Mr Miranda’s family homestead is in the My Lord’s Bay area. He grew up in the Crawl area, attended Whitney Institute, and previously worked at Bermuda Motors.
On Monday, Ms Tankard and her family were joined by several community friends from the Queen’s Club who organised a search party, covering ground in the Shelly Bay area, but their efforts were “to no avail”.
With the wet and windy weather, she noted that some of their biggest concerns now centre around the elements.
“It’s been cold, it’s been rainy these last couple of days, and that’s our biggest concern because he has no money on him. We don’t really know if he’s in a protected space. We’re just not sure where he’s laying his head—if he’s warm, if he’s hungry. These are some of the most pressing concerns we have when it comes to him.”
Police said they have focused their search on the Shelly Bay area, where Mr Miranda was known to frequent, and will be returning there tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, the public is encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for Mr Miranda.
To those with any information on possible sightings, Ms Tankard urged: “I would probably suggest just calling the police service to let them know, and then they will contact us regarding the status. Any sightings – anything – would be helpful at this point. Nothing is too small. I know Bermuda is a small community, but we’re a loving and proud community.
“My uncle’s lived here all his life and given a lot. I would hope that he has many friends and family out here who just want to see him back in a safe environment, getting the care that he needs at the end of the day.”
Anyone with information on Mr Miranda’s whereabouts should immediately call 911 or 211. If you feel comfortable, let him know that his family may not realise they are looking for him.
