Haibun: Missing in Hamburg

two whippets in winter jackets sniffing seaweed near mouth of the river

It is twelve days ago today that a young man from these parts went missing. The timeless sky reflected in the water are part of the landscape he might still know as home. Concern is growing that he does not remember how to get back here. The small number of witness sightings since he disappeared speak of a man who seems confused and alone. It was meant to be a fun trip he had organised for his brother. With plans for meals, bars and drinks, a game of five-a-side football. He would not willingly abandon that. He would be in touch if he knew how to. If you are in Hamburg please look out for his face in the crowd.

wandering
a long way from home
snow is melting

© Xenia Tran

Missing in Hamburg Liam Colgan Poster

29 year old Inverness man Liam Colgan went missing in the early hours of 10th February 2018 during the stag-party he had organised for his brother Eamonn. There have been a few sightings of him since and witnesses describe seeing a man who looked lost and alone. It is possible he is suffering from memory loss. His family are close-knit and anxious to find him and bring him home. They all believe that he would have contacted them if he knew how to.

If you are in Germany and you recognise Liam from the photograph please contact Hamburg Police on 040 4286 56789.

In the UK, the Lucie Blackman Trust is helping with the investigation. If you have any mobile phone images where Liam may appear in the background or CCTV images please contact them via telephone 0800 098 8485 (freephone from the UK, from abroad please dial +44 800 098 8485).

Any information, however insignificant, may help to reunite him with his family and bring him home.

With love from Eivor, Pearl and Xenia xxx

Photograph of Eivor and Pearl by Xenia Tran, edited in lr.

Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ200, Settings: f/2.8, 1/500 s, ISO 100.

Missing Poster created for sharing by Liam Colgan’s family with assistance from Police Hamburg.

Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: A Face in the Crowd

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dVerse Poets Pub Logo

UPDATE ON MONDAY 23RD APRIL 2018:

It is with great sadness we share the news that the body of missing Inverness man Liam Colgan has been found in the river Elbe this morning. We want to thank all of you who offered help in sharing, retweeting and expressing your heartfelt thoughts. We have all been hoping for a better outcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liam’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Author: whippetwisdom

The stories, poems and photographs on this blog are the original creative work of Xenia Tran. Inspired by life in the Scottish Highlands and in awe of nature she gives voice to the wisdom of her adopted and fostered whippets.

83 thoughts on “Haibun: Missing in Hamburg”

    1. Thank you for your kind words Kim 💖 Poetry speaks to a different part of the brain and it may trigger a memory for someone. I also wanted to share beyond Twitter and the usual hashtags for the campaign, just in case it helps. I will keep you posted 💜 xxx

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  11. Oh, this was on the news, Xenia. How terrible for his friends and family, to not know where he is , how he is and whether they will ever see him again. I hope he is found soon, safe and sound.

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    1. I am so sorry to hear about your son’s wife missing relative Beverly. John Lordon from LordanArts.com has a YouTube channel called Brainscratch Searchlight where he features appeals for missing persons. He may be able to help the family spread the word. His video about Liam was very well put together. Like you, I hope both these young people are found safe and well 💜 xxx

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    1. Thank you Candy, you are right in picking that up. There is a lot of concern as the temperatures are dropping in Hamburg and everyone who knows Liam says he would have been in touch if he was able too. We continue to pray for a good outcome and I have asked our dog walking friends in Hamburg to keep an eye out too 💜 xxx

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    1. Thank you for your kind words LuAnne 💜 So many people are joining the search, sharing the appeal and are praying for his safe return. It is very hard on the family and at the same time they know they are not alone. They asked for help and the response has been heart-warming. Hopefully this will encourage anyone in a similar situation to ask for help too 💖 xxx

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  32. Reblogged this on Whippet Wisdom – a Highland Journey and commented:

    It is with great sadness we share the news that the body of missing Inverness man Liam Colgan has been found in the river Elbe this morning. We want to thank all of you who offered help in sharing, retweeting and expressing your heartfelt thoughts. We have all been hoping for a better outcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liam’s family at this difficult time.

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    Reply
  34. Pingback: Haibun: Glistening Sea – Whippet Wisdom – a Highland Journey

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words Kimberlee. It was so heart-warming to see how many people gave freely of their time to try and find Liam and help the family and we have all been praying for a better outcome. We hope he is at peace now xxx

      Liked by 1 person

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