Tributes to missing sailor as HMS Westminster returns to UK

Relatives and friends of missing British seaman Timmy MacColl gather at Round Tower to mark the ship's arrival.

Pictured: Timmy's mother in law Jackie Bryan cries as HMS Westminster returns to Portsmouth.

The return of HMS Westminster to Portsmouth. UK time Sailor Timmy Maccoll a sailor on the ship went missing while it was docked in Dubai.  The ships crew leave a space in honour Timmy as they line up on the deck.
Timmy's family release 77 yellow ballons one for each of the days he has been missing.
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CREDIT  Zachary Culpin/Solent News & Photo Agency
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DUBAI // Relatives and friends of missing British sailor Timmy MacColl faced fresh heartbreak yesterday as the warship he was serving on when he disappeared arrived home without him.

HMS Westminster moored at Portsmouth, England, at the end of a six-month mission in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

Mr MacColl, 27, from Gosport in Hampshire, went missing on May 27 while on shore leave after the frigate docked in Dubai. His wife Rachael, 25, is expecting their third child in October.

Relatives and supporters gathered on the Round Tower, a local landmark, to watch the vessel's homecoming and release yellow balloons. The 180-strong crew lined up on the upper decks and left a space in their ranks.

Family and friends shared messages of support on the Facebook page Bring Timmy Home, which has more than 112,000 members.

Brenda Cunningham, Mrs MacColl's grandmother, said: "My family have been at the Round Tower to see the ship in. They were really pleased with the support from everyone. My thoughts are with my granddaughter Rachael at the moment. I know where she's been and can only say how brave she is."

A Sharjah resident wrote that she had joined the ceremony by releasing balloons. "Just released our balloons in Sharjah among a few tears," wrote Helen Al Amily. "I am so sorry, no one should have to go through what you all are."

The Royal Navy said it remained concerned about Mr MacColl's safety and was continuing to provide support for his family.

"The matter is being treated as a missing person case. The Dubai Police have primacy for the investigation into Leading Seaman MacColl's disappearance."

Friends and supporters continued yesterday to add their names to a petition calling on the House of Commons to debate the case.