The family of a York man missing in Phuket have released a statement via the police. Fifty-four-year-old Stephen Magson, from Holgate Bridge Gardens, was watching his wife and daughter in the sea, when the tidal wave struck. Stephen Magson's family and friends say they are devastated by the events that unfolded on Phi Phi Island, Thailand on December 26th. Steve, a company director and father of four, was enjoying a relaxing holiday on the island with his wife Denise and daughter India. The previous evening they had spoken to family and friends in the UK to wish everyone a merry Christmas and say what a happy time they were having. When the Tsunami hit Phi Phi - Denise and India were out at sea in a kayak and Steve was watching them from the beach. Denise and India miraculously survived without any major injuries, but Steve remains missing. As soon as news reached the UK Denises sister Gill and partner Tim flew out to Phuket to help Denise and India in their plight and start to search for Steve. Having exhausted all possibilities in Phuket and the surrounding areas Denise and India and sister Gill returned to the UK on Saturday on a specially chartered flight provided by British Airways. Tim remained in Bangkok to liaise with the British Embassy and continue the search for Steve. He is returning to the UK this evening after searching so hard. The family's hopes of finding Steve alive are fading. In the statement released by North Yorkshire Police, Denise says she would like to thank the Thai Government for their immediate response to the crisis and the Thai people for their kindness and generosity, especially the staff and volunteers at Dulwich International College in Phuket who cared for the family under such distressing circumstances. Denise would also like to thank family and friends back in the UK for their messages of love and support. More: » Bishop Packer calls for aid for Sri Lanka
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