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The search for a missing British man in the Malaga town of Nerja ended tragically on Wednesday July 23 when hikers found the body of 88-year-old Vic, just hours after his family reported him missing to police.

 

Vic, who had lived in the Costa del Sol town for five years, disappeared after a routine visit to his barber on Calle Jaén on Tuesday morning, July 22. He told his wife he would catch a taxi or bus back to their home in the Fuente del Badén area, but never made it back.

 

When he didn't return, his worried family put up missing person posters around Nerja's streets and contacted the Guardia Civil on Wednesday.

 

His body was found in wasteland near the family home, in an area locals don't visit often, which is why it took time to locate him despite being close to his house. Police found no signs of violence and all his belongings were still with him. They believe he may have suffered a heart attack, but a post-mortem will be carried out in the coming days.

 

Vic was a respected corrosion engineering professor who taught postgraduate students at UMIST Manchester. His expertise was so well-known that almost every corrosion engineer in the world had been taught by him. He worked on major projects including the corrosion protection for the Channel Tunnel and oil industry developments worldwide.

 

After his university career, he became a consultant and travelled extensively. The Nerja History Group, where both Vic and his wife Basma were active members, said he gave lectures in China, Japan, Australia, the Middle East and South America.

 

"Today would have been Vic's 88th birthday and he wanted us to celebrate, not mourn. Both Basma and Vic have been great supporters of the history group, attending meetings and accompanying us on many trips. We send our deepest condolences to Basma," they added.

 

 

Image: Tobias Steinhoff via Wikimedia Commons