Tribute following death of diver in Cornwall
The family of a man who went missing whilst diving off the Cornish coast in September has paid tribute to him.
Police were contacted by Falmouth Coastguard in relation to a diver who had not resurfaced in waters around St Anthony Head near Falmouth on Sunday 22 September.
An extensive multi-agency search was carried out over several days but later called off.
On Sunday 8 December a body was located on Portholland Beach which has since been identified as being that of 76-year-old Andrew McKnight from St Austell.
Andrew’s family said: “Andy was a highly qualified diver and dive instructor and his death has come as a great shock to all who knew him.
“He was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather and he will deeply missed by all his family.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the south west diving community, Devon & Cornwall Police, the RNLI, the Coastguard and all others who gave their time to search for him for the past 11 weeks.
“As a family we ask for privacy at this difficult time as we come to terms with our loss.”
Image gallery:
select image to see larger version