BODY FOUND IN SEARCH FOR MISSING PILOT

Underwater search team make discovery a fortnight after Cessna disappeared from radar:

A BODY has been found in the search for a pilot who went missing off the coast of North Wales.

The discovery was made by the North West Underwater Search Team just off Ynys Seiriol/Puffin Island off the coast of Anglesey shortly after 2pm on Thursday afternoon.

Professor David Last (pictured above) and his Cessna light aircraft disappeared from radar near the island at around 12.45pm on Monday, November 25.

Police say that Prof Last’s family have been informed.

Inspector Dave Corcoran said: “Just after 2pm this afternoon, divers recovered a body just off Puffin Island.

“The family of Professor David Last have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers from North Wales Police.”

Police said local officers are liaising with the coroner and Professor Last’s family have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

Professor Last’s plane had taken off from Caernarfon Airport and was due to fly over the Great Orme and return to Gwynedd – but it never made it back.

Extensive searches involving the coastguard, lifeboats, a search and rescue helicopter and police divers had been carried out, with only debris found up until yesterday.

The coastguard called off its own search around three days after the plane vanished, while police have continued to search when weather conditions allow it.

The respected professor was hailed as an expert in navigation, with friends and colleagues saying he was globally renowned in his field.