Mystery Man Found in Welsh Reservoir: Police Seek Identity and Answers

Police are trying to identify a man. They found his body four months ago in a remote reservoir in Powys. The man was wearing a wetsuit, and had been dead for 12 weeks. He was found in Claerwen Reservoir, located in the Elan Valley.

Naming the man has been difficult, and it has become a significant policing mystery. Dyfed Powys Police are seeking information and hope for a breakthrough soon. A walker discovered the body on October 18, 2024. Despite fingerprint and DNA tests, no matches were found.

Search teams thoroughly examined the marshland for clues, but their efforts were unsuccessful. A helicopter and drones were also deployed in the search, yielding no valuable information. No clothes were found nearby, nor was there a car present. With the nearest bus stop a four-hour walk away, police believe he likely did not arrive on foot. Missing person registers provided no leads, and Interpol is assisting in the investigation. The area is popular with tourists.

Detective Inspector Anthea Ponting stated that they have checked missing people records and conducted forensic work both locally and elsewhere. Law enforcement partners have also provided assistance. Despite these efforts, they have been unable to identify him. They are keeping an open mind, aiming to uncover his name, locate his family, and understand the circumstances surrounding his death.

The post-mortem examination indicated that he was a white man, likely between 30 and 60 years old. He was wearing a Zone 3 Agile wetsuit, typically used by triathletes and swimmers. The wetsuit was extra large, leading officers to believe he was a big man, possibly between 6ft and 6ft 5ins tall, with a weight of 14 to 15 stone and a chest size of 44in–48in.

Dyfed Powys Police are still appealing for public assistance. They are particularly interested in information from visitors to the area since July 2024. Detectives are keen to hear about any lost items, such as bags, clothes, or shoes.

DI Ponting expressed gratitude to those who have already helped and renewed the call for further assistance. She asks whether anyone visited Claerwen Reservoir or its surrounding area between July and October 18, 2024 and has not yet spoken to police, to please come forward.

Anyone with information or any suspicions resembling a missing person case is urged to contact police by calling 101 or emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk. Messages can also be sent via social media. Please quote reference 64 of October 18, 2024.