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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Matthew Dresch

Third body found confirmed as final missing fisherman who disappeared from Wales

The third body found in the search for missing fishermen who disappeared from Wales has been confirmed as the final crew member.

Alan Minard, 20, has tragically been found dead after going missing in January, police said.

Carl McGrath, 34, Ross Ballantine 39, and Minard were on board the Nicola Faith when it left Conwy on January 27.

A major search was launched when the boat failed to return but was stood down two days after their disappearance when nothing was found.

Earlier this month, the bodies of three men were recovered off Wirral and Blackpool.

Last week, North Wales Police confirmed the body found in Blackpool was Mr McGrath and that Mr Ballantine had been found at West Kirby, Wirral.

On Tuesday evening, a force spokesman confirmed that the third body, found in Wirral on March 14, was Mr Minard.

The force said: "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, and request that their privacy be respected at this time.

Ross Ballantine also died in the tragedy (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

"The thoughts of everyone at North Wales Police remains with the families and friends of the three fishermen."

More than £84,000 was raised on a JustGiving page set up by the families of the missing men to pay for a private search.

In a statement on its Facebook page, Llandudno Coastguard said: "North Wales Police have this evening confirmed that the body of a man found on the Wirral on March 14 is that of Alan Minard, a member of crew from the fishing vessel Nicola Faith which went missing earlier this year.

"All three crew have now been accounted for but the search for the vessel itself continues.

"The team wish to extend their deepest sympathies to the families of the three fishermen at this incredibly difficult time."

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