A body has been discovered in the ongoing search for a missing monk who vanished from a remote monastery on an island in Scotland. The body, which has yet to be formally identified, was recovered at approximately 7:35 am on Wednesday near Stronsay in Orkney, according to Police Scotland.
Recovery Operation
The RNLI Kirkwall lifeboat responded to a call from the coastguard to assist in the operation. Police have stated that inquiries regarding the body are at an early stage, and the death is being treated as unexplained. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.
This development comes as authorities have been searching for young monk Justin Evans, 24, also known as Brother Ignatius. He was last seen at the Golgotha Monastery on Papa Stronsay shortly before midnight on April 11. Evans is described as being around 6 feet tall, with short hair and a dark beard, and notably speaks with a New Zealand accent. He was last seen wearing a white robe.
Monastery and Community Response
The Diocese of Aberdeen expressed 'deep sadness' at the 'disappearance and presumed death'. The traditional Catholic monastery, established in 1999, held a Requiem mass for the monk, presuming he had died. His family traveled to Orkney for the mass and attended a ceremony to raise a memorial cross on Papa Stronsay island.
Father Michael Mary, one of the founders of the religious group, claimed that Mr. Evans had been 'suffering from hypothermia' in the weeks leading up to his disappearance. A post on the order's social media page stated: 'We tragically lost our Brother Ignatius Maria to the sea. We, the police and the coastguard have not been able to find his body. It has been a time of unparalleled tragedy for Brother, his family (three others of whom are members of our Congregation) and us all.'
Ongoing Investigations
Inspector David Hall previously commented: 'Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace Justin and as time passes concerns are growing. We are working with partner agencies and extensive searches are being carried out in the island area. I am now appealing for anyone who may have visited the island and have any information on Justin or his whereabouts to contact us.'
A spokesperson for the coastguard confirmed that the Kirkwall Coastguard Rescue Team and an RNLI lifeboat were sent to the incident at Stronsay, reported at about 7:35 am on May 6. Police Scotland was also informed.
