The body of a man found washed up on a beach has been formally declared as that of a fisherman who went missing in January.
Ross Ballantine was found on West Kirby, Merseyside on March 12, but his identity has only been confirmed today.
The 39-year-old from Llandudno had vanished off the coast of North Wales in January, the Daily Post reported.
He had left from Conwy on the Nicola Faith vessel alongside skipper Carl McGrath, 34, and Alan Minard, 20.
The body of Mr McGrath was found in Blackpool on March 13, police confirmed on Monday.
A North Wales Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that the body found at West Kirby on Friday 12th March is that of Ross Ballantine, who went missing along with two others on the Conwy fishing boat 'Nicola Faith' in January.
"The family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
"The family would like to thank the local community and businesses for their tremendous support and donations.
"The thoughts of everyone at North Wales Police remains with the families and friends of the three fishermen."
The body of a third man has also been discovered, but has not yet been formally identified.
Meanwhile, the search for the missing fishing vessel is continuing, with expert David Mearns becoming involved in the search following a crowdfunded campaign.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is also carrying out an investigation, and has been involved in searches off the coast of North Wales.
Last month Lowri Taylor, Mr Ballantine's sister, said her brother was a "devoted dad" who worked across the country as a carpet fitter.
He took a job on the fishing boat when his work dried up because of the Covid pandemic, she told the BBC.
"He loved it," she said.
"He and Carl were such hard workers, and Ross loved being able to stay local for his sons rather than having to work away through the week."
The trio's disappearance off the coast of Conwy was first reported at 10am on January 28 when their boat failed to return to port.
HM Coastguard began co-ordinating the search operation involving teams from Bangor, Llandudno, Flint and Rhyl, RNLI lifeboats from Rhyl, Hoylake and Llandudno and the coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon.
Boats in the nearby area were also asked to keep a look out for the missing vessel and North Wales Police were drafted in.
