Enys Head Man
On Wednesday 5th November 1969, the decomposed body of a man was recovered from the sea one mile southwest of Enys Head in Cornwall. Believed to have been in the water for approximately 3 to 4 months, the man’s clothing suggested that he may have been French. Nearly six decades later, his name is still unknown.
What we know
Date found: 5th November 1969
Location found: In the sea one mile southwest of Enys Head, near Cadgwith, Cornwall, England.
Ethnicity: White European
Height: 178cm / 5 ft 10 ins
Age range: 35-45 years
Build: Medium
Pathology: Bruises on his chest that occurred before death could be indicative of a blow that winded him, and it is suggested that he may have drowned in fresh water, giving rise to the theory that he may have been a French river yachtsman.
Looking towards Enys Head from Cadgwith
Possessions
Blue smock-type sailing jacket (Image credit - Le Glazik)
Grey, blue and black checked cotton shirt with the label ‘L’Hermine Marque Déposée’
Blue jeans with maker’s mark 'Le Glazik Quimper'
He was also found with the following items:
A penknife
A length of rope around his waist onto which was tied a cork boat fender.
White vest
Brown leather belt
Brown leather sandals
The Watch
A 'Vilmor' mechanical diver’s watch with a two-piece black plastic strap and buckle fastening, which had stopped on day 30.
This is significant because a mechanical watch would have required manual winding each day, the suggestion being that it was probably last wound on the 28th or 29th day of the month in which it stopped.
Having been in the water for an estimated three to four months, Enys Head Man may therefore have entered the water at either the end of June or July 1969.
Image for illustration purposes only
From Cornwall to Cornwall
Although Enys Head Man’s body was found off the English Cornish coast, he may have drifted there from French Cornwall. ‘Le Glazik Quimper’ is a marine clothing brand that was established in 1928 in Quimper, the capital of Cornwall in Brittany, France. Le Glazik Quimper’s foundational article of clothing is the iconic Breton vareuse – a traditional sailor’s smock renowned for its functionality and longevity.
In Brittany, each harbour had its own smock colour so that sailors could visually identify the home port of others, ensuring that fishing areas were respected. Although Enys Head Man wasn’t dressed as a fisherman, the blue colour of his smock may be suggestive of where his yacht was usually moored, or the harbour from which he had set sail in the summer of 1969.
Cast your mind back to 1969…..
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![Image of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on his yacht]()
The Sunday Times Golden Globe Race Held in 1968-1969, the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race was the first non-stop, single-handed, around-the-world yacht race. Out of nine starters, only Sir Robin Knox-Johnston finished, becoming the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world, returning to Falmouth on 22 April 1969 aboard Suhaili.
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![President Georges Pompidou]()
Political Transition in France Following his victory in June 1969, President Georges Pompidou was establishing a more pragmatic, business-oriented government, moving away from the direct, personal rule of De Gaulle.
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The development of Concorde Throughout late 1969, testing continued on the Anglo-French airliner, Concorde, which had its first test flight in France earlier in the year. By October it had gone supersonic, and In November, Cornwall was preparing for the sonic boom impacts of Concorde trials, which were due to take place over West Penwith.
Questions you can ask yourself
We’re confident that after all these years, Enys Head Man’s identity can be found thanks to just one person with one piece of information.
You may have elderly family, friends or neighbours who might be able to recall meeting or seeing him in the 1960s, perhaps as a member of a local yachting community? If you could share our appeal with them or talk to them about this case, it may jog someone’s memory. The smallest piece of information could solve this case.
Do you remember Enys Head Man’s body being found? Is there anything else that you could tell us about the discovery?
Did someone you know unexpectedly stop contacting friends or family in the summer of 1969?
Do you remember someone setting sail from France in 1969 and not returning?
Were you part of the Breton yachting community from that time, or know anyone who was?
You could be the person that makes the difference.
Even the smallest detail may hold real significance. If you know something, no matter how unsure you are, we want to hear from you. Information can be shared in confidence, and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
Every submission is carefully reviewed by our team of volunteers. This is a safe and confidential way to ensure your voice is heard.
We also welcome contact from anyone who may have previously tried to share information and felt it wasn’t fully considered, or would like to share it again. Please do not use this form for emergency assistance in locating a person. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.