Michael Mosley's disappearance ended in tragedy. Here's how the ...

The disappearance of Dr Michael Mosley caught the world's attention.

The British presenter made a name for himself after spending decades hosting science programs on the BBC, where he made health fun and accessible.

On Sunday morning, the days-long search to find Mosley on the idyllic Greek island of Symi ended when a cameraman spotted "something black" on the rocks that had been searched "I don't know how many times."

Here's how the operation unfolded.

Michael Mosley was last seen by his wife at 1:30pm on Wednesday, local time, when he went for a short stroll on his own from Agios Nikolaos beach to the fishing village of Pedi.

The route is about 1.5 kilometres long and takes roughly 20 minutes to walk.

CCTV footage would later show Mosley wearing a cap and holding an umbrella in the main street of Pedi at 1:52pm, 20 minutes after his wife last saw him.

CCTV footage captured Michael Mosley outside a business in Pedi on Wednesday.(Supplied)

On the same day, an appeal for help was posted on a Facebook group, along with a photo of Mosley standing on a beach wearing a cap, polo shirt, shorts and a backpack.

"Have you seen this man? He set off to walk back from St Nick's at about 13:30 and failed to make it home," the post said.

Mosley's wife, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, reported him missing on Thursday morning after he did not return.

The village of Pedi on the southeastern Aegean Sea island of Symi.(Reuters: Panormitis Chatzigiannakis)

Mosley's phone was found where he was staying with his wife, a police spokesperson said.

Police requested assistance from the Greek fire department to broaden the search operation on the island, which is on the eastern side of Aegean Sea and around 6.5 kilometres from Turkey.

Greek fire fighting services, along with a drone team, arrived in Symi.

Both a helicopter and a police dog were added to the search operation.

The extensive search then entered the water as divers joined the efforts.  (Reuters: Panormitis Chatzigiannakis)

The search for Mosley ramped up early on Friday, with divers joining police, firefighters and volunteers.

Mosley's four children also travelled to Symi.

As firefighters continued the search, Mosley's wife released a statement saying the family would "not lose hope."

"It has been three days since Michael left the beach to go for a walk," Dr Mosley said.

"The longest and most unbearable days for myself and my children.

"The search is ongoing and our family are so incredibly grateful to the people of Symi, the Greek authorities and the British Consulate who are working tirelessly to help find Michael."

Police find a body believed to be that of Michael Mosley on Sunday morning.

A police spokesperson said the body was found on a rocky coast by a private boat.

Rescuers and officials arrive at the area where the body of Michael Mosley was found.  (Reuters: Panormitis Chatzigiannakis)

Antonis Mystiloglou, a cameraman for Greek state broadcaster ERT, who was on the boat, said he saw "something black" at the end of the Agia Marina beach, on the island of Symi.

As the boat moved closer, Mr Mystiloglou tried harder to identify the mysterious form in the landscape.

"We took a photo of the [camera] screen with an iPhone and zoomed it in and you can clearly see there is a man laying down with his hand on his belly […] and in his other hand he has his bag," he said.

"The description is exactly as the guy we're looking for. I'm really sorry for the family. I'm sorry that I'm the one who found him. I'm sorry."

Rescuers arrive to the site where Michael Mosley's body was found.(Reuters: Panormitis Chatzigiannakis )

Mr Mystiloglou said the area had been searched "I don't know how many times."

"Yesterday the helicopter passed from this point, about 20 times. There were drones. There was everything. I think it's just bad luck."

Lefteris Papakalodoukas, the island's mayor, was on the boat when Mr Mystiloglou spotted Mosley.

The mayor said that the body appeared to have fallen down a steep slope, stopping against a fence and lying face-up with a few rocks on top of it.

"It is unclear if he had an accident or if he felt unwell," Mr Papakalodoukas told State TV ERT.

Police said he had been dead for several days.

Clare Bailey Mosey says it is "devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband."

"We had an incredibly lucky life together. We loved each other very much and were so happy together."

Dr Bailey Mosley said her 67-year-old husband "did an incredible climb, took the wrong route and collapsed where he couldn't easily be seen by the extensive search team".

"We're taking comfort in the fact that he so very nearly made it," she said.

"Some of these people on the island, who hadn't even heard of Michael, worked from dawn till dusk unasked," she added.

"I feel so lucky to have had this life with Michael."