Two-Decade Mystery Solved as High Court Declares Missing Angler Dead
After twenty years of uncertainty, the fate of a Kent father who vanished during a trip to France has been officially determined. Anthony Dugdale, a 43-year-old from Orpington who disappeared in April 2004, has been declared dead by a High Court judge following evidence that he drowned in the English Channel during what police believe was a failed drug smuggling operation.
From Fishing Trip to Criminal Enterprise
Initially presented as a fishing expedition, the circumstances surrounding Mr Dugdale's disappearance have taken a dramatic turn. The court heard that he travelled to Calais with friend Richard Patwell from Alloa, Scotland, towing a speedboat purchased for £11,000 in cash shortly before their departure. Despite extensive searches and public appeals focused on finding two "keen anglers," neither man was ever located.
Master Karen Shuman, delivering judgment at the High Court, stated that police investigations had revealed a different story. "The police have said that a full investigation has been carried out and they have closed the file," she noted. "Their conclusion is that Anthony and Richard were on a drugs run from France."
Evidence Points to Dangerous Crossing Attempt
The court was presented with compelling evidence suggesting the pair were attempting to smuggle drugs across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Solicitor John Davies, representing Mr Dugdale's son Danny, outlined several suspicious circumstances:
- The men turned off their mobile phones before reaching Dover, preventing tracking through mobile mast evidence
- Mr Dugdale had given the impression to the boat seller that he had no boating knowledge or engine maintenance skills
- The speedboat was unsuitable for Channel crossings, typically used only within two miles of shore
- A petrol canister was improperly placed on the boat's back supports, creating instability
- Holdalls containing cannabis were found floating in the Channel overnight after their departure
- Evidence suggested a distress call was made from the Channel reporting engine trouble and narrowly avoiding a ship collision
Mr Davies told the court: "The conclusion of the police was that Mr Dugdale travelled to France to import drugs into Britain at night in a boat that was unsuitable. There are strong and reliable implications that both were involved in dealing and importation of illegal drugs by boat across the Channel."
Previous Incidents and Criminal Connections
Further evidence emerged linking Mr Dugdale to criminal activity. The court heard he had previously worked on a Welsh farm that police later discovered was operating as a cannabis production facility. Months before his disappearance, he had been rescued from the Channel suffering from hypothermia, accompanied by another man who was subsequently convicted for involvement with the same Welsh cannabis farm.
Master Shuman concluded: "The police have concluded that what actually happened was Anthony and Richard were trying to cross the Channel at night with a speed boat. They were most likely hit by a container ship and sunk. The speedboat they were using was one not suitable for crossing a very busy Channel."
Legal Resolution After Two Decades
The High Court application was brought by Mr Dugdale's son Danny, who lives in the United States, to obtain a declaration of death so his father's £33,000 estate could be properly administered. The judge ruled: "I am satisfied on the basis of the evidence before me that Anthony did indeed die in the Channel at some stage between April 7 and April 9, 2004."
While Mr Dugdale's fate has been determined, the whereabouts of his companion Richard Patwell remains unknown and was not addressed in these proceedings. The ruling brings legal closure to a mystery that has persisted for more than twenty years, revealing a story far removed from the initial fishing trip narrative that dominated early investigations.
