Missing sailor's pregnant wife in Dubai

Colin McColl and Sheena McColl, uncle and mother of the missing British sailor Timmy McColl, at a candlelight vigil last night.

DUBAI // The family of the British sailor missing in Dubai have expressed their gratitude for efforts being made to find him.

Leading Seaman Timmy MacColl, 27, went missing on May 27, just after 2am, when he was put in a taxi by shipmates after leaving the Bur Dubai bar Rock Bottom Cafe.

A second candlelight vigil was held last night at 7pm on Umm Suqeim beach hosted by Sheena MacColl and Colin MacColl, the seaman's mother and uncle.

Rachael, his pregnant wife, is also in Dubai following up on the investigations, said Colin MacColl. She was not at last night's vigil.

"Rachael couldn't be here tonight because she is tired," Mr MacColl said.

Mrs MacColl is due to give birth to the couple's third child in October.

No updates on the investigation have been provided by Dubai Police, the Royal Navy or the family over the past week.

Mr MacColl declined to answer questions about the investigation last night, instead reading out a short statement from the family.

"We would like to thank you all on behalf of the whole family for your time, generosity, help and support. Your caring has been humbling and overwhelming," he said.

"Rachael wanted me to read this message from her: 'It's amazing the way the authorities are hunting for Timmy. I have been very reassured'," Mr MacColl read.

The sailor's mother also thanked everyone present and expressed her satisfaction with the authorities in Dubai.