Missing fishermen: Body of Adam Harper found

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Joanna C fishing boatImage source, Martin Johns/Fishing News
Image caption,

The Joanna C sank three miles off the coast at Seaford

The body of a fisherman has been recovered after a trawler capsized and sank off the Sussex coast.

Police said divers brought the body of 26-year-old Adam Harper, from Brixham, Devon, up from the wreck of the Joanna C on Monday night.

Another fisherman, Robert Morley, 38, from Pembrokeshire, is still missing after the boat sank on Saturday.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Our thoughts are with their families at this time."

On Facebook, Mr Harper's mother Sarah Jayne posted a statement, external to say her son had been found.

She wrote: "I just wanted to let everyone know that Adam has been recovered from the boat of the Joanna C and will be coming home to us before his final journey."

She asked people to continue to pray for Mr Morley and his family.

Image caption,

Candlelit vigils were held in Brixham, where the vessel was registered

A major rescue effort took place from Seaford on Saturday but neither Mr Harper nor Mr Morley could be found.

The search resumed the following day but was later called off.

Candlelit vigils have been held in Brixham where the 45ft scalloping vessel was registered.

Gill Brady, who lives above the harbour, was one of those to pay her respects.

She said news of the trawler's sinking "shook us to the core".

"We've had lights shining in the house all weekend, as many candles as I've got," she added.

Newhaven lifeboat crews described how they rescued skipper Dave Bickerstaff, who was found clinging to a buoy after two and a half hours in the water.

Eastbourne lifeboat coxwain Mark Sawyer said it was "an absolute miracle" he survived.

Two funding pages have been set up for the families of the crew.

By Tuesday, the fundraising sites had received more than £35,000 in donations.

Image caption,

Tributes were left at the Man and Boy statue in Brixham

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