Missing fisherman's body found

Littlehampton's RNLI lifeboat Blue Peter 1 recovered Mr Healey's body after the crew of another boat saw him floating in the sea two nautical miles south-east of the resort on Thursday morning.

The Coastguard launch, Osprey, was also called to the scene, and the body was taken into the Littlehampton RNLI boathouse.

His father, Patrick Healey, of Bewley Road, Angmering, said the family was relieved that their wait for news of John, 46, was over, and they could now prepare for his funeral, which will be held at Worthing Crematorium on Tuesday at 9.40am.

"It's a mercy he has been found. It's been just short of three weeks, and some of the family have been going down to the sea every day, looking out for him. I went down there twice. I knew it was a lost cause, but it was all you could do.

"His wife, Betsy, is relieved. It's not good, sitting all day, waiting and waiting. Once she found out, she knew she could put him to rest, and it's an end to it."

John Healey, of Cotswold Road, Durrington, also leaves three sons. He grew up in Angmering and had been "fishing mad" from a young age, his father said.

He was reported missing on Saturday, March 17, after his boat, Breadwinner, was found empty.