**First Photo Released of Missing Bangor Woman as Large-Scale Menai Strait Search Continues**
Authorities in North Wales have stepped up their search for 22-year-old Gwenno Ephraim, who has gone missing under circumstances that have prompted a significant emergency services response. Police, coastguard and RNLI teams have been deployed in efforts to locate her, amid mounting public concern.
Gwenno was last seen in the upper Bangor area on the night of Monday, 28 July, with CCTV evidence showing her walking alone between approximately 10:20pm and 11:10pm. Investigators believe she made her way towards the Menai Bridge, a well-known local landmark which links the island of Anglesey to the mainland.
The situation took a concerning turn when, on Tuesday morning, personal effects thought to belong to Gwenno were discovered on the Menai Suspension Bridge. The discovery prompted authorities to expand their search into the waters of the Menai Strait—a notoriously fast-moving tidal channel.
Search efforts have now entered their third day, with a large-scale operation underway both on land and at sea. A HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter has consistently been seen hovering over the Menai Strait, while specialist rescue teams from Bangor, Llandwrog and Penmon, supported by RNLI lifeboats from Beaumaris and Moelfre, continue sweeping the area in challenging conditions.
Despite these intense efforts and detailed lines of enquiry, Gwenno’s whereabouts remain unknown. North Wales Live reports that all attempts to locate her have, as yet, proved unsuccessful—a fact that only heightens the anxiety for her family and the local community.
Police have now released a photograph of Gwenno in hopes it will aid the search. North Wales Police chief inspector Stephen Pawson stated: “Officers investigating Gwenno’s disappearance continue to follow many lines of enquiry in their efforts to trace her movements. Gwenno’s family has been informed of the circumstances that led up to her disappearance and we will continue to provide support and timely updates as this investigation progresses.”
He went on to express sympathy for the family and friends affected by Gwenno’s disappearance, acknowledging the “distress and emotional impact” of the ongoing investigation. Chief Inspector Pawson also confirmed that specially trained officers have been assigned to support Gwenno’s family throughout the ordeal.
As yet, enquiries suggest that Gwenno may have entered the Menai Strait on the night she disappeared. When last seen, she was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey hoodie and black trainers—details authorities are urging local residents, drivers and anyone in the area to keep in mind should they have witnessed anything unusual on the night of 28 July.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is encouraged to contact North Wales Police immediately, referencing incident number 51505. Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who spotted Gwenno or may have dashcam footage from the Bangor and Menai Bridge areas during the relevant time frame.
The search continues, and the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome as authorities intensify their efforts. North Wales Police have reiterated their commitment to updating the public and supporting Gwenno’s loved ones while the operation is ongoing.
This case highlights the critical role that community vigilance, prompt reporting and coordinated emergency service responses play in missing person investigations. As the search for Gwenno enters another day, the thoughts of many remain with her family as they await news.