Body found off Orkney coast in search for missing monk 'presumed dead'

A body has been found off the coast of an island in Orkney after a monk went missing last month.

Justin Evans was last seen within Golgotha Monastery at Papa Stronsay shortly before midnight on Saturday, April 11.

The 24-year-old, who speaks with a New Zealand accent, was last seen wearing a black robe.

Bishop Hugh Gilbert of the Diocese of Aberdeen said he had learned “with deep sadness” of the presumed death of Evans last month.

On Wednesday, police confirmed a body had been recovered from the water around 7.35am near the island where Evans was last seen.

Kirkwall Coastguard Rescue Team and an RNLI lifeboat from Kirkwall also attended.

The death is being treated as unexplained, but enquiries are said to be at an early stage.

It is understood that no formal identification has taken place.

The official statement from Bishop Hugh read: “The Diocese has learned with deep sadness of the disappearance and presumed death of Justin Evans, also known as Brother Ignatius, aged 24, a member of the Redemptorist Community on the island of Papa Stronsay.

“It is believed that he came to harm in conditions involving the sea. The local police and coastguard services have now called off their searches.

“Brother Ignatius was known for his humility and charity, and our prayers are with his community and family at this difficult time.”