Body Of Missing Sussex Fisherman Located Say Police

Friday, 19 February 2021 11:39

The body of a man discovered on a beach in Bexhill has been formally identified as that of fisherman Robert Morley, who has been missing since November.

As previously reported by More Radio, a large-scale search and rescue effort was launched on November 21 after the vessel, JOANNA C', sank off the coast of Newhaven.

One of the crew members was recovered from a nearby buoy during the initial search, with the body of another man - 26-year-old Adam Harper - being recovered from the wreck by divers.

The third member of the vessel's crew, Robert Morley, was still missing at the point in which the search was called off.

Sussex Police has now confirmed that the body of a man found on the beach at Bexhill in December has been formally identified through DNA analysis.

A spokesperson said:

"Following the tragic incident in which the fishing boat Joanna C capsized off Newhaven on 21 November, the body of a man washed ashore at Bexhill on 14 December has been formally identified, through DNA analysis, as that of missing fisherman, Robert Morley.

"The next of kin of Mr Morley, who was 38 and from Pembrokeshire, have been notified. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

A statement posted online by Mr Morley's stepfather also confirmed the news.

It read:

“I have to inform you that our son Robert Morley has been identified as the body that was brought from the sea at Bexhill in December.

"Thank you all for your fantastic support and love these past 12 weeks.

"No further information is available at this moment regarding funeral arrangements but on behalf of all Rob's family, thanks."

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