Massive search operation found Petra

Volunteers from across Mid and North Wales were mobilised in the successful search for 64-year-old Petra Herkes, it has been revealed.

Dozens of specialist searchers joined Dyfed Powys Police in the 28-hour hunt for Petra, who went missing from her Manafon home after setting off for her regular morning walk on Monday.

Known locally as the Flower Lady, Petra, originally from Holland, is suffering from Alzheimer’s and was said to be a very fit walker.

As reported sightings came in, Search and Rescue teams from Aberdyfi, Brecon, North East Wales and South Snowdonia joined the massive hunt.

The last credible sighting was at 3pm Monday when the search began, but more reports came in from a variety of locations as news spread of her disappearance.

The Brecon team worked through Monday night conducting vehicle searches of the roads in the area and, on Tuesday, search parties on foot started sweeping Petra’s normal walking route.

By around 6pm, the area had been cleared so the focus shifted to sightings in Llangadfan. But as search parties were getting into place, news came through that a member of the public had found the lady, alive and well, near Lake Vyrnwy at Llanwyddyn.

Police earlier today thanked MyWelshpool readers for spreading the word about Petra’s disappearance through Twitter and Facebook, which resulted in thousands of extra pairs of eyes looking out for her across the area.