Simon Parkes: Mum of missing sailor 'hopeful' over police search

Simon Parkes went missing after leaving HMS Illustrious in December 1986

The mother of a Royal Navy sailor who disappeared 36 years ago says she is "hopeful" as police follow up a line of inquiry.

Simon Parkes, 18, was last seen in 1986 when he left the docked HMS Illustrious in Gibraltar and never came back.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is carrying out further excavation work at Town Range Car Park in Gibraltar.

Margaret Parkes, from Bristol, said she hoped to "find his remains and be able to bring him home".

The operation is being run by the Hampshire police force, Royal Gibraltar Police and supported by the Ministry of Defence

The ship was visiting Gibraltar as it made its way back to the home port of Portsmouth.

Mrs Parkes, who lives in Kingswood on the outskirts of Bristol, said of the police activity: "It's not new to us. There was a search in August as well so it's ongoing.

"Every time there is a search it's hopeful but we just have to keep our feet on the floor and you can't put too much into it."

A memorial for Mr Parkes was held in September 2022 and a tree planted in Theatre Royal Park in Gibraltar.

Mrs Parkes attended the memorial with her husband David Parkes.

She said: "We're getting older and the years are going on and we just have to accept it is what it is."

Simon Parkes' parents hope their son's remains can be found so they can "bring him home"

"But people have come forward and it's wonderful really, so many people are still thinking of him and showing their support.

"And everyone's still looking and searching for answers," she added.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said the latest activity followed work carried out in August 2023, when a small amount of excavation work was undertaken at Town Range Car Park.

"Whilst nothing was found to progress the investigation, a further potential area of interest within the car park was identified to us," a spokesperson added.

Simon Parkes would have turned 56 next week

The radio operator's disappearance has previously been part of investigations by Hampshire Constabulary into serial killer Allan Grimson, a former petty officer.

Grimson was jailed for life in 2001 for the murder of two young men, Nicholas Wright, 18, from Leicestershire, and Sion Jenkins, from Newbury in Berkshire.

He was serving on board HMS Illustrious at the same time as Mr Parkes but has always denied being involved in his disappearance.