A body found on a beach in Blackpool has been confirmed as that of a missing fisherman, with his sister sharing a heartbreaking tribute.
Carl McGrath, 34, was with Ross Ballantine 39, and Alan Minard, 20, when their fishing boat Nicola Faith went missing after leaving Conwy, north Wales, on January 27.
Mr McGrath's sister Lauren Hynes has today paid tribute to her brother, describing him as 'my hero, my rock'.
A major search was launched when the fishing vessel failed to return, although this was called off two days after their disappearance when nothing was found.
Last week, a spokesman for North Wales Police said the force was aware the bodies of three men had been recovered from the coastline off Wirral and Blackpool over the weekend.
North Wales Police today tweeted: "Sadly we can confirm that the body found on the beach at Blackpool on March 13th is that of Carl McGrath, who went missing with 2 others, on the Conwy fishing boat 'Nicola Faith' on January 27th.
"The family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers."
In a heartbreaking tribute share on Facebook today, the fisherman's sister Ms Hynes said: "With a broken heart it pains me to say it’s been confirmed today Carl has been found.
"There are no words to explain how much pain we are in at this time. Carl was my hero, my rock.
"The bond we had was unbreakable and now a part of me will forever be missing.
"Carl was my protector, my best friend and helped me grow into the woman I am today. The love I had for my brother was unconditional and I can’t bring myself to say he’s gone and that I will never see him again.
"I love you so deeply Carl Mcgrath you will never be forgotten. The memories we have will live on. Carl Mcgrath sleep well I love you."
Ms Hynes previously set up a GoFundMe page for the RNLI after her brother's disappearance.
It said: "On the 28th of January my brothers ( Carl McGrath ) boat with 3 of his crew member Ross and Alan were meant to arrive in the conwy area around 11pm but did not show.
"The last contact we had with them on the boat was at 9:30pm, we then tried to contact them again at 12pm but had no contact.
"We are working with the RNLI and police at this time."
Earlier this month, the Marine Accident and Investigation Branch (MAIB) said the boat's life raft had been found off the coast of Kirkcudbrightshire in Scotland by the Coastguard.
