North Sea search body identified

Edward Gardner's body was found by search teams on Friday

The body recovered during the North Sea search for the four crew of a missing Scottish trawler has been named as Edward Gardner from Fife.

Mr Gardner was the sole crew member to be found after the Meridian went down 160 miles off Aberdeen during violent storms three days ago.

The 50-year-old from Cellardyke had worked on board the trawler for the past 20 years.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor, his mother Ethel, two sons and a daughter.

Despite an extensive search the three other crewmen remain lost at sea.

We are absolutely devastated at this loss Statement from family of Edward Gardner

They have been named as skipper Martin Gardner, 49, Ian Donald, 55, both from Anstruther, Fife, and Sidney Low, 52, from Aberdeen.

A statement issued by Fife Constabulary on behalf of Edward Gardner's family described him as an easy-going man with a "wicked wit".

It said: "We are absolutely devastated at this loss.

"We would like to thank all the Norwegian and other authorities for their efforts in the search and rescue operation.

Debris and one of the trawler's life rafts were spotted in the water

"Our thoughts are with the other families at this very difficult time."

The body of Mr Gardner was found by search teams on Friday.

The Norwegian Coastguard, who were co-ordinating operations, called off the search on Saturday night.

Anstruther councillor Elizabeth Riches said: "Any death is a tragic loss, but one that happens in such appalling circumstances reverberates throughout the whole community.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Edward's family as well as with the families of those still missing."

The men had been carrying out observation work for an oil firm in Norwegian waters.

They were contracted by Talisman Energy to ensure that no fishing boats crossed a stretch of pipeline which was undergoing construction work in the Blane field.

Julia Gardner, the wife of skipper Martin Gardner, made an appeal for the search to continue after it was called off on Saturday.