The family of a man who went missing in a homemade boat off the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides has been described as a “beloved” husband, father and grandfather.
Thomas Tyrrell was last seen setting off alone in his small homemade boat from Brevig harbour in Back at 7am on Tuesday.
Mr Tyrrell – known as Tommy – from Tong, did not give details of his destination and was without a VHF radio and mobile phone.
Anxious relatives reported the 67-year-old overdue at 8pm when he failed to return and a major search was launched involving around 40 members of the emergency services.
However, the next day his body was recovered by Stornoway lifeboat around half a mile east of the village of Sheshader, close to where his swamped boat was seen.
His family have tonight thanked all the emergency services involved in finding him.
“We would like to thank all emergency services – Coastguard, RNLI, Hebrides Search and Rescue Team and Police – for their efforts and for finding Thomas,” they said in a statement.
“Now that family are aware, we confirm that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Thomas Tyrrell, was found deceased yesterday afternoon following a land and sea search.”
They also revealed that Mr Tyrrell was wearing a lifejacket when he was found.