Body identified as that of missing teenage fisherman – Fishupdate.com

Body identified as that of missing teenage fisherman Published:  03 December, 2010

POLICE have confirmed that a body recovered off the Scottish Coast last month are those of a teenage  fishermen lost in the summer  when his trawler collided with a North Sea passenger ferry.

He has been identified as 16-year-old Daniel McNeil from North Shields who was fishing with his older brother Joseph when it was in collision with the Scottish Viking en-route from Roysth to Zeebrugge. His brother was pulled to safety by another fishing boat. An immediate air sea search involving the RAF and some 20 fishing boats was put into operation but they were unable to find Daniel. His  body was found last month and  brought into Eyemouth Harbour after which an examination was carried out. Confirmation of his identity came yesterday. Meanwhile, a marine investigation into the incident continues. The collision happened on the evening of August 5th in good weather conditions and visibility. The Scottish Viking is owned by the Dutch company Norfolk Line which is co-operating with the inquiry. It is thought that Daniel, who comes from a traditional fishing family and who  had only recently left school in North Shields, was filling in for another crewman at the time. Det Insp Jim Robertson from Lothian and Borders police, said: “Finally, Daniel McNeil’s family has some closure following his identification and our deepest sympathies are with them at this time as they come to terms with their loss.”Work is still ongoing to find out what resulted in this tragedy and we will continue to liaise closely with our partner agencies to reach a conclusion.”