Body found in River Dart identified as missing man

A body located on the River Dart has been identified as a man who went missing in December last year.

79-year-old retired college lecturer David Evans sparked a missing person operation after he went missing from Dartmouth on Friday, December 20.

David lived on a boat on the Kingswear side of Dartmouth Harbour and was last seen aboard a Dartmouth water taxi.

The Coastguard, Dart Harbour, and RNLI Lifeboats conducted searches of the water around Dartmouth but ceased their efforts due to the length of time he had been missing.

On January 17, a body was recovered from the north embankment of the River Dart.

Nearly three weeks later, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the body was that of David Evans.

Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Devon, said: "David resided on a boat moored on the River Dart. He was reported missing to the police after not being seen for several days.

"A body was later discovered further down the river, and it has now been confirmed as that of David Evans. There are no suspicious circumstances. At present, the medical cause of death remains unascertained."

David’s family has been informed, and a file has been prepared for the coroner.