Key Points
- Simon Wilson’s body was recovered from the sea near Llwyngwril, Gwynedd, at approximately 7.20pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
- The discovery comes two days after the body of Connor Parfitt, 24, was found on Aberystwyth beach in Ceredigion on Sunday, July 26.
- Both men were last seen near Hafan-y-Mor holiday park in Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, July 21, believed to be heading to the coast with inflatable kayaks.
- North Wales Police have informed both families and the coroner, with Chief Inspector Stephen Pawson expressing condolences and thanking search partners.
- A major multi-agency search operation involving police, HM Coastguard, RNLI crews, volunteers and members of the public had been underway since the men were reported missing.
Wales Police (Wales Times) July 29, 2026 – A second body has been found in the search for two missing men who had last been seen heading towards a Welsh beach more than a week ago. Simon Wilson’s body was recovered from the sea near Llwyngwril, Gwynedd, at about 7.20pm on Tuesday, July 28, North uk/police/">Wales Police confirmed on Wednesday.
The discovery follows the tragic finding of Connor Parfitt’s body on Aberystwyth beach in Ceredigion on Sunday, July 26, after officers were called to reports of a body at around 12.30pm. Both men had been reported missing after they were last seen near the beach at Hafan y Môr holiday park in Pwllheli at around 6.30pm on July 21, believed to have headed out to sea in inflatable kayaks.
As reported by Nation.Cymru staff, North Wales Police said Mr Wilson’s family and the coroner have been informed following the identification. Chief Inspector Stephen Pawson said: “I share my deepest condolences with Simon’s family at this incredibly difficult time. This is not the outcome any of us had hoped for, including the teams involved in the searches.”
Who were Connor Parfitt and Simon Wilson?
Connor Parfitt, 24, was from Blackpool and had travelled to the Pwllheli area around three weeks prior to his disappearance to start a job at the Haven caravan site, according to earlier reports from the search operation. Simon Wilson was his work friend and colleague, with both men last seen together on the evening of July 21.
The pair are believed to have headed towards the coast with inflatable kayaks from the beach near Hafan-y-Mor on the Llyn Peninsula, but have not been seen since that evening. Connor’s brother, Aaron, previously said the family last heard from him at around 6.30pm on Tuesday and have had no contact since.
How did the search operation unfold?
HM Coastguard confirmed it was called at 12.19pm on Thursday, July 23, to assist North Wales Police with a search for two overdue kayakers at Pwllheli. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Criccieth, Abersoch and Llandwrog were sent to the scene, along with RNLI lifeboats from Criccieth and Abersoch, an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a Coastguard aeroplane.
Extensive searches were carried out, but with no trace of the missing people, the operation was stood down pending further information at around 10.21pm on that day. However, searches continued in the following days with partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public assisting in the efforts.
As reported by Wales Online, a major search operation was launched after the two men were reported missing, involving police, HM Coastguard, RNLI crews, volunteers and members of the public. Chief Inspector Stephen Pawson expressed gratitude to partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public who aided the search efforts over the past days.
Where were the bodies discovered?
The body of Connor Parfitt was discovered on Aberystwyth beach in Ceredigion on Sunday, July 26, after police were called to reports of a body at around 12.30pm. North Wales Police said the body of Connor Parfitt was found after officers were called to reports of a body on Aberystwyth beach at around 12.30pm on Sunday, July 26.
Simon Wilson’s body was subsequently recovered from the sea near Llwyngwril, Gwynedd, at about 7.20pm on Tuesday, July 28. A force spokesperson said: “Officers were called at around 7.20pm yesterday to reports of a body being found in the sea near to Llwyngwril, Gwynedd. The man has now been identified as Simon Wilson, one of the men who we circulated as missing from Pwllheli last week.”
What have police and families said?
Chief Inspector Stephen Pawson said:
“I share my deepest condolences with Simon’s family at this incredibly difficult time. This is not the outcome any of us had hoped for, including the teams involved in the searches.” He added:
“Thank you to partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public, who assisted in our searches. We would request that both Simon and Connor’s family’s privacy are respected.”
A North Wales Police spokesperson said following the discovery of Connor Parfitt’s body:
“A man’s body has sadly been discovered during searches for two missing people. Officers were called at around 12.30pm yesterday, July 26, to reports of a body being found on a beach in Aberystwyth. The man has now been identified as Connor Parfitt, one of the men who we circulated as missing from Pwllheli last week. Connor’s family and the coroner have been informed.”
Background of the Development
The disappearance of Connor Parfitt and Simon Wilson sparked a significant multi-agency search operation along the north Wales coast. The two men were last seen on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at approximately 6.30pm near Hafan-y-Mor holiday park in Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd. They were believed to be heading towards the coast with inflatable kayaks when they vanished.
Police were first informed of their disappearance on Thursday, July 23, prompting HM Coastguard to launch a major search operation involving multiple rescue teams, lifeboats, and aerial support. Despite extensive searches over several days, no trace of the men was found initially, leading to the operation being stood down pending further information.
The first tragic development came on Sunday, July 26, when a body was discovered on Aberystwyth beach in Ceredigion, later identified as 24-year-old Connor Parfitt. Simon Wilson remained missing at that point, with police continuing to support his family and appealing for information.
The search continued until Tuesday, July 28, when a second body was reported in the sea near Llwyngwril, Gwynedd, at around 7.20pm. This body was subsequently identified as Simon Wilson, bringing a tragic conclusion to the week-long search operation.
Prediction: Impact on Coastal Safety and Water Sports Communities
This tragic development is likely to have significant implications for coastal safety awareness and water sports communities across Wales and beyond. The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with inflatable kayaking, particularly in coastal waters where conditions can change rapidly and currents can be unpredictable.
Local authorities and coastal safety organisations may use this incident to reinforce safety messaging around inflatable watercraft, particularly emphasising the importance of checking weather conditions, tide times, and ensuring proper safety equipment is carried. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and HM Coastguard may increase their public awareness campaigns targeting casual water sports enthusiasts, particularly those using inflatable equipment which can be more vulnerable to wind and currents than rigid vessels.
For the local community in Pwllheli and the wider Llyn Peninsula area, this incident may prompt renewed discussions about coastal access safety, particularly around popular holiday parks and beaches where visitors may be unfamiliar with local water conditions. Holiday park operators and local tourism businesses may review their safety guidance and signage for guests planning water-based activities.
The water sports community, particularly kayak enthusiasts, may see increased emphasis on buddy systems, proper training, and the importance of informing others of planned routes and expected return times. This incident serves as a sobering reminder that even experienced individuals can face dangerous situations on the water, and that safety precautions should never be compromised regardless of perceived skill level or local knowledge.
