A BODY found on The Wirral has been confirmed as that of the third and final fisherman who was aboard the Nicola Faith boat which went missing after setting off from Conwy Quay in January.

North Wales Police have confirmed that the body found on The Wirral on Sunday, March 14, is that of 20-year-old Alan Minard.

Mr Minard was one of the crew members missing along with two other fishermen aboard the boat after it set off from Conwy Quay on January 27.

Ross Ballantine, 39, and Carl McGrath, 34, have both previously been identified after being discovered on the Wirral and Blackpool.

A statement posted by North Wales Police on Tuesday evening read: "We can confirm that the body found on The Wirral on Sunday March 14 is that of 20-year-old Alan Minard, who went missing along with 2 others on the Conwy Fishing boat 'Nicola Faith' in January.

"The family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"The family would like to thank the local community and businesses for their tremendous support and donations, and request that their privacy be respected at this time.

"The thoughts of everyone at North Wales Police remains with the families and friends of the 3 fishermen."

A private search for the fishermen had been launched earlier this month with Oceanographer David Mearns, an American marine scientist and expert in deep water recovery, leading it.