The body of a man who fell overboard from a Western Ferries vessel more than four months ago has been recovered, police have confirmed.
A major search operation was launched in June after 64-year-old father Mark Federspiel went missing while travelling between Gourock and Dunoon on Sunday, June 15. The incident occurred aboard a ferry operated by Western Ferries.
According to reports, Mr. Federspiel, a former US Navy diver, had been travelling with his wife Annette on Father’s Day after visiting their 22-year-old daughter Lara on the mainland. Tragically, he was reported missing around 1 p.m. after failing to return from the vessel’s toilet.
Following his disappearance, HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats, and several nearby vessels joined forces in an extensive search across the Firth of Clyde. Despite their efforts, Mr. Federspiel could not be located at the time.
Police have now confirmed that a body discovered at Kilcreggan Beach around 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, has been formally identified as that of Mr. Federspiel. Officers stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and his next of kin have been informed.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook in June, his wife Annette wrote:
“My lovely husband. My soulmate, my life. We are broken. A gentleman. Kind, talented hero. We love you, we miss you. It was a pleasure to be your wife — I was a lucky girl.”
The tragic incident has deeply affected the Western Ferries community and residents across Gourock and Dunoon, who had followed the search with hope and sympathy.
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