Police Confirm Body of Missing Brixham Fisherman Found



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Police have confirmed that they have located the body of one of the two Brixham fishermen whose boat sank over the weekend.

Divers recorded the wreckage of the ship last night (Monday 23 November) that sank off the south of Newhaven in Sussex on Saturday morning 21 November.

Sussex Police have confirmed that the body has been identified as Adam Harper, 26, of Brixham.

The second man, Robert Morley, 38, of Pembrokeshire, is still missing.

Captain Dave Bickerstaff, 34, was found clinging to a lifebuoy, retrieved from the water by Newhaven’s lifeboat, and taken to hospital.

A police spokesperson said: “Following the tragic incident on November 21 in which the fishing boat Joanna C sank south of Newhaven, the body of one of the two missing fishermen was recovered by divers from the wreck last night, Monday. November 23.



Candles, flowers and notes are left by the people of Brixham, Torbay on the statue of the Man and the Boy as two fishermen from the area where on board a ship had sunk off the Sussex coast.
Candles, flowers and notes are left by the people of Brixham, Torbay on the statue of the Man and the Boy as two fishermen from the area where a boat had sunk off the Sussex coast. November 23, 2020. Image: Matt Gilley / Devon Live.

“He has been identified as Adam Harper, 26, of Brixham, Devon, and his closest relatives have been notified.

“Robert Morley, 38, of Pembrokeshire, is still missing.

“Our thoughts are with their families at this time.”

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In a statement on social media, Sarah Jayne Harper, a relative of Adam, said: “I just wanted everyone to know that Adam has been recovered from the ship of the Joanna C and that he will be returning home with us before his final voyage.

“Adam was found in his bunk as we expected, as he was in bed at the time of the accident.



Candles, flowers and notes are left by the people of Brixham, Torbay on the statue of the Man and the Child as two fishermen from the area where on board a ship had sunk off the Sussex coast.
Candles, flowers and notes are left by the people of Brixham, Torbay on the statue of the Man and the Boy as two fishermen from the area where a boat had sunk off the Sussex coast. November 23, 2020. Image: Matt Gilley / Devon Live.

“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all that you have been amazing, but can I ask you to continue your love and prayers for Rob and his family and to keep our candles burning and the lights on to bring Rob home? Where does it belong? love everyone, take care of each other harper family love.

On Monday DevonLive reported that heartwarming tributes, gifts and notes continued to be spread around a statue in Brixham in aid of the two local fishermen.

Among the tributes left by the Brixham Man and Boy statue are those of one grieving parents who has written on a decorative illuminated star ornament, ‘Rest in peace son, love daddy xxx’, and on a tin of beer, ‘RIP son, dad x’.

A large number of hope candles have been left on the statue, along with flowers and ornaments.

The remaining notes include one signed by the Rye / Hastings fishing community that reads, “Our thoughts are with all of you.”



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