Body found in search for ferryman

The search for a ferry worker whose cap was found floating near his ship has ended with the discovery of a body.

Fieloa Luigi, 37, was last seen filling the Sardinia Vera's fresh water tanks while it docked in Newhaven Harbour, East Sussex, on Wednesday night.

Solent Coastguard scrambled a rescue helicopter which conducted a search using infra-red technology.

A man's body was found on Thursday afternoon by police divers searching underneath and around the vessel.

Incoming tide

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the coroner had been informed and identification was due to take place.

The Sardinia Vera is a passenger ferry which operates between Newhaven and Dieppe, in France.

The MCA said an intensive search for the seaman was earlier carried out in the harbour area and up to two miles upriver to account for an incoming tide.

Coastguards from Newhaven and Birling Gap also searched the shoreline and Newhaven lifeboat searched the water.