The wife of a missing 49-year-old man was last night left waiting for “closure” after police suspended a search until this morning.Dereck Spenser was last seen at 4.30pm on Wednesday in Ely’s Harbour, but was reported missing at 1.30am yesterday by his wife after he failed to show up for work at his second job.Police, helped by the Bermuda Regiment, began a search at first light yesterday and discovered his boat at 7am in some mangroves with the engine still running and close to the couple’s houseboat.The couple, married for 25 years, have lived on the houseboat, anchored across the sound off Robinson’s Marina for the past 14 years.When contacted by The Royal Gazette, she said she was comforted by the fact that police found her husband’s cellphone, shirt and other personal belongings.She requested that her first name not be made public out of respect for her privacy.She added: “At this point, all I want is closure, I need to know what happened — what went wrong.“The pain of not knowing is tearing me up inside. The police have been diving all morning, I want to thank them, our friends and neighbours who have helped so far, and those who have voiced their concerns.“There’s at least 40 small islands up here, he could be anywhere. All I want to know is what happened and I pray they find something soon.“I started to worry early Wednesday evening when he didn’t show up for work; it’s just not like him. He always made contact even if it was to say he was running late. That’s what’s crazy about all of this, now I know that police have found his phone; now all I can do is wait.“All we want is closure, not knowing anything conclusive is dreadful. From Wednesday night until now the hours just seem so long.”Mrs Spenser also thanked all those who turned up in boats to assist with the search.“I’m grateful and I’m anxious all at once, I’m in no condition to think straight, I just wish I had answers,” she said.Mr Spenser, a longtime employee with the Department of Public Works, is well known as a hardworking, focused, God-fearing man and colleagues yesterday expressed shock after hearing the news that he was missing.One colleague said: “He was a nice guy, this is not a man who missed work, he was always here early on the job every morning. I think something is definitely wrong.”Another said: “It’s sad because we never know what life will bring, I know Dereck personally, he was a Christian brother who always had something positive to share; I just pray he is okay.”Public Works Minister Michael Weeks said yesterday he was “saddened” to hear the news. “Mr Spenser is an outstanding employee and friend to the Ministry. He has worked for us for over 20 years and more recently around seven years in the Hazardous Waste Facility in Dockyard.“I paid a visit to his team this morning and they also expressed deep sadness as he is well loved and respected by them. My heart also goes out to his wife at this time as I am sure this is probably the most trying time for her,” said Mr Weeks. “The Ministry will do all it can to assist and we pray Derek is safe at this time.”Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said 15 to 20 officers were involved in the marine search yesterday.“Mr Spenser was last seen at 4.30pm on Wednesday in Ely’s Harbour after he left his place of employment in Dockyard. His daily activity was disrupted and we believe he may have fallen into difficulty in the water in Ely’s Harbour,” said Mr Caines.Police boats canvassed the surrounding areas with assistance from other marine vessels in conjunction with Maritime Operations. A Police spokesman thanked the members of the maritime community who “used their vessels to assist with the initial search effort”.The search was suspended last night as it got dark and is due to resume this morning.Mr Spenser is described as brown-skinned, of slim to medium build with close cut hair (grey in front) and a grey moustache. A police spokesman said: “He was last seen around 4.30pm Wednesday, at that time, he left his place of employment in the Dockyard area on his motorcycle.“Anyone with any information on Mr Spenser’s whereabouts or his movements since Wednesday afternoon is urged to contact police immediately on 295-0011.”Inquiries are ongoing and the appeal for any information on Mr Spenser’s movements since 4.30pm on Wednesday continues.