Police thank public for support as missing kayaker's body identified
The sister of a kayaker who was found dead days after going missing has welcomed the “phenomenal” response to the family's plans to set up a charity promoting sea safety.
Last updated 13th Feb 2017
Police are thanking the hundreds of volunteers who joined the search for missing Aberdeenshire kayaker Dominic Jackson.
His body’s now been formally identified after it was discovered in the water near Lybster at around midday on Thursday 9th February during air searches by the Police Scotland helicopter.
Inspector Kevin Goldie, who helped lead the Police search, said: "I can sadly confirm that the body recovered on Thursday has been identified as Dominic's. His family has been made aware and we are supporting them at this very difficult time. This is not the outcome anyone wanted, and our thoughts are obviously with all of Dominic's family and friends.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the community and volunteers for their support. I know it was a great source of comfort to his family and came as no surprise given the community spirit in the area.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to the teams who carried out painstaking searches both here in the North East and further North. The terrain is challenging and the dangers of operations like this can never be underestimated.
"Thank you also to members to the public who provided Police with information as we tried to piece together Dominic's last movements. Your information was invaluable."
Dominic’s family has now launched a bid to set up a sea safety charity in his memory. The campaign to raise funds has raised more than £7,000 in three days.
The charity, which will be called PlanB, will promote the use of personal locator beacons (PLBs) among adventurers and promote safety at sea.
Sister Elli said: “Dom's death was just such a senseless waste of a life and if I leave it at that it will always be a senseless waste of a life, and I wanted to do something more. Lots of people have already said it has made a difference to them as they will be using a PLB or thinking more about their safety equipment.
“The charity will be called PlanB because Plan A is to go out and have fun, but you need a plan B if it all goes wrong.”
You can contribute to the funds at : https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/domjackson