Body found in river after Dartmouth disappearance

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The body of a retired college lecturer, who sparked a missing person search after being last seen aboard a Dartmouth water taxi, has been found in the River Dart.

David Evans, 79, lived on a boat on the Kingswear side of Dartmouth Harbour. Sadly it has now been confirmed he was recovered ashore at the quayside pontoon on the north embankment on January 17.

The initial police appeal to find David stated he was last seen in person on the water taxi on December 12, and the last known contact with him was on December 17. Following further enquiries, the appeal was then amended to him having last been seen on the water taxi a few days later December 16, between 3pm and 3.30pm.

David Evans has been reported missing
David Evans was reported missing -Credit:Devon and Cornwall Police

HM Coastguard, Dart Harbour and RNLI Lifeboats all helped conduct searches of the water around Dartmouth which were then stood down due to the length of time he had been missing.

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Further details have been provided at the opening of his inquest. During the short hearing at Exeter Coroners Court, it was confirmed David, who was born in London, was divorced and had a boat moored on an island pontoon in Dartmouth.

Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Devon, said: "The circumstances are David resided on the boat which was moored on the River Dart. He was reported missing to the police as he had not been seen for several days.

"A body was located further down the river several weeks later and it has now been confirmed as that of David Evans. There are no suspicious circumstances. Presently, the medical cause of death is unascertained."

The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing to be held at a later date.