Body Recovered Near Stronsay Island
A body has been recovered from the water off the Orkney island of Stronsay, close to the location where a monk went missing last month.
Police Scotland reported that the body was spotted shortly after 07:30, with inquiries currently at an early stage.
The Kirkwall lifeboat responded to a call from coastguards to provide assistance.
Ongoing Search for Missing Monk
Search efforts have been underway for 24-year-old Justin Evans, also known as Brother Ignatius, who disappeared from the nearby Papa Stronsay on 11 April.
In a statement, police said:
"Inquiries are at an early stage following the recovery of a body from the water near the island of Stronsay, which was reported around 07:35 on Wednesday.
"The death is being treated as unexplained.
"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course."
Background on the Missing Monk
Evans, a member of the Redemptorist Community, was last seen at the Golgotha Monastery just before midnight on Saturday 11 April.
The Diocese of Aberdeen previously expressed its feelings of "deep sadness" regarding the "disappearance and presumed death" of Evans, who was originally from New Zealand.
Community History
An order of Catholic monks purchased Papa Stronsay over 25 years ago. The community, which was then based on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, raised the £200,000 required for the acquisition.
