Body of British man Joop Sparkes found in Prague river after search

6 May 2024, 12:58 | Updated: 6 May 2024, 15:05

The body of a missing British holidaymaker - who disappeared after reportedly jumping off a party boat in Prague - has been found following the search of a river.

Joop Sparkes, 29, had travelled to the Czech Republic with friends on Friday 26 April and had been enjoying the capital city's bars and nightclubs during the weekend break.

The following night, the group departed on a party boat from the President Hotel Prague.

During the early hours of 28 April, while his friends were at the bar, Mr Sparkes was witnessed jumping into the Vltava river "for a swim".

Mr Sparkes, from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, failed to reappear or get in touch with his family and friends.

A number of his loved ones, including his sister Jodie Wilson and girlfriend Charley Maben, travelled to Prague in an effort to join in the search.

A spokesperson from the local police previously said teams had been searching for Mr Sparkes since the alarm was raised.

In an update on Monday, Ms Wilson confirmed a body recovered from the water on Sunday night was that of her brother.

Posting on Facebook, she said: "We are all absolutely heartbroken and this wasn't the outcome we had hoped for, but like we promised we are bringing our boy home.

"We love you to the moon and back Joopster and you have left the biggest hole in our hearts ever."

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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been contacted for comment.

(c) Sky News 2024: Body of British man Joop Sparkes found in Prague river after search