Purbeck Isle skipper David McFarlane laid to rest

David McFarlane's coffin passed his favourite pub The Kings Arms as the funeral cortege headed to Weymouth's Holy Trinity church

The funeral has taken place of the skipper of a Weymouth fishing boat which sank off the Dorset coast.

David McFarlane, 35, was one of three men on board The Purbeck Isle, which went missing on 17 May.

His body was found at sea the following day. Fellow crewmen Jack Craig, 21, and Robert Prowse, 20, are still missing

The father-of-three, nicknamed Farley, was laid to rest at Weymouth's Holy Trinity Church. Mourners were encouraged to dress in bright colours.

David McFarlane was the skipper onboard The Purbeck Isle when it sank earlier this month

The funeral cortege of three black saloons travelled from Brewers Quay through Trinity Road and across Town Bridge before arriving at the church.

His close family and friends followed behind each carrying a single white carnation.

Mr McFarlane's coffin also passed his favourite pub, The Kings Arms, where a wake was held after a private burial.

At the service, three tributes were read out while songs from the Beach Boys, The Kooks and Jack Johnson were also played.

'Huge character'

Andy Alcock, secretary of the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Boat Owners and Fishermen's Association (FPLBFA), admitted it was a sad day for the town.

He said: "David worked hard and played hard. He will be sadly, sadly missed, not just inside the fishing community, but right across Weymouth.

"He was a huge character and the number of people here today just shows you how much this tragedy has gripped people both inside and outside Weymouth."

Mr McFarlane is survived by his parents Colin and Grace, his partner Victoria Huntley and his children Bethany, Caitlin and Hope.

The wreck of The Purbeck Isle was discovered by survey ship Odyssey Explorer 10 miles south of Portland Bill at a depth of 50m.