Death of man found by cruise ship remains unexplained

Cyrille Douchin possibly entered the water in a kayak or similar craft

The discovery of a man's body in the English Channel off the Devon coast remains "unexplained", according to detectives.

The body of Cyrille Douchin, 29, who had been living on the Isle of Sark, was found by a cruise ship about 46 miles (74km) off the coast on 23 September, 2021.

It is believed he might have entered the water off Sark on, or shortly after, 25 August 2021, possibly in a kayak or similar craft.

Investigating officers are now appealing for information about his final movements, including identifying a person on Sark who found a bike believed to have been used by Mr Douchin, which was found abandoned at Creux Harbour.

Initially, attempts to identify the body, which was taken to Southampton, proved unsuccessful.

But with the help of oceanographers, forensic experts and Interpol, a breakthrough was made in early 2024, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, the investigating force, said.

At the time of his death, Mr Douchin had been wearing a full black wetsuit, including boots and gloves.

A spokesperson for the force said: "We would like to hear from anyone on Sark or Guernsey who spoke to or interacted with Mr Douchin, especially in August 2021, who may have information about his intentions to leave Sark or go out on the water.

"Our team are also looking to particularly speak with the person on Sark who located a Dawes mountain bike, believed to have been used by Mr Douchin and which was found abandoned at Creux Harbour in early September 2021."