Body of missing Faslane worker formally identified

The family of 21-year-old Josh Gayton has asked for privacy after his body was found on Sunday evening.

Body of missing Faslane worker discovered in Helensburgh formally identified Police Scotland

The body of a Faslane worker found in the water off Helensburgh has been formally identified.

Josh Gayton, who worked at the naval base, was last seen in the seaside town in the early hours of April 16.

On Sunday evening, following extensive searches involving the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence Police, Police Scotland said a body had been recovered.

On Tuesday, the body was formally identified as that of Mr Gayton and his family was informed.

The 21-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

A police spokesperson said: “The body of a man recovered from the water off Helensburgh on Sun, April 21, has been formally identified at Josh Gayton, 21, reported missing in the town.

“His family have asked for privacy.

“Thanks to all who responded to our appeal and partner agencies who assisted.”

A fundraiser set up for the family of Mr Gayton has surpassed £10,000 worth of donations in just two days after an initial target of £2,500 was set.

It comes after Police Scotland confirmed it had opened an internal inquiry into the way officers handled the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The thoughts and sympathies of the Royal Navy go out to ET (ME) Joshua Gayton’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time and we would ask that their privacy is respected.

“Additional queries with respect to any ongoing investigation should be directed to Police Scotland.”

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