THE family of a 24-year-old fishermen, who died after a night out in Milford Haven, have thanked the town for it ‘outpouring of love and support’ in recent days.

Josh Winsper was reported missing by his shipmates early on Saturday morning (April 2), prompting a huge search of the waterway by police divers, the coastguard and the fire service.

The fisherman from Penryn, in Cornwall, had been out with his colleagues, and was last seen leaving the Astoria nightclub in Charles Street at around 2.30am.

Police announced a body had been found on Sunday afternoon, but have yet to confirm formal identification.

Josh’s younger sister Paige said: “From all of Josh's family and friends we thank Milford Haven for all the support you have given.

“You put together an amazing search party to find Josh and everyone pulled together.

“This has been so hard for the family to deal with and we all would like to thank the rescue team, the police and all the locals in Milford Haven for your lovely messages and support.”

She added: “Josh was such an outgoing young man, and being a fisherman was his dream job as it ran in the family.

“He loved going ashore in Wales as much as being out on the boats.

“We are truly devastated by this terrible accident but his memory will always be kept alive by us in Cornwall and by everyone in Wales, and as a family we thank you all.”

Rachel Gerred-Hart, Josh’s aunt, said the family had been “blown away by the outpouring of love” from local people.

“It feels like the two communities have lost a son,” she said.

Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Stephen Joseph, expressed sincere condolences to Josh’s family on behalf of the fishing port.

“I'm sure many people in Milford feel an affiliation with Josh's home town in Cornwall,” he said.

“I hope that these tragic circumstances will unite our two fishing communities as we can identify with their loss.”

Cllr Joseph is now speaking with local church leaders, the police, and the council, to explore the possibility of establishing a ‘street pastor’ scheme in the town.

“If we can prevent the death of just one young person who is trying to get home after a night out, it will be hugely worthwhile,” he said.

For full story, see today's Western Telegraph.