The family of a man who died in a fishing boat tragedy off the coast of Fife have thanked the local community for helping them endure their “nightmare”.
Police have now been able to confirm that a body found on the beach at Lower Largo on Friday August 28, was indeed that of David Stead one of three fishermen reported missing after their vessel capsized off the coast of East Wemyss on August 10.
Mr Stead, 47, is the last one of the trio to be formally identified.
His friend Birrell Stewart, 30, was pulled from the water shortly after the incident but was pronounced dead in hospital, while the body of Jason Buchan, 35, washed up at West Wemyss beach on August 26.
Following confirmation that the remains found at Lower Largo are of Mr Stead, his family, who hail from Hartlepool, have issued a tribute to him.
“Words fail to express how we feel at the loss of David,” it read.
“David was a loving son, brother, father and friend.
“Our thoughts are with the friends and families of both Jason Buchan and Birrell Stewart.
“We are touched and appreciative of the efforts made by the local community, who helped reunited us with David and gave us closure.
“They have been a constant source of support and strength, while we endured this nightmare.
“To all members of the emergency services, we wish to offer a sincere thank
you, for their hard work during the search for David.
“We would like to ask for privacy whilst we come to terms with our loss”.
Police Scotland officers have also thanked the local communities and the families of the three men for their “patience and support” during the search for the missing men.