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

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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.

Image: Pic: Family handout

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

A body was recovered from the water on Sunday evening. In an update the following day, Ms Wilson confirmed it was that of her brother.

Image: Pic: Family handout

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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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On Tuesday, a spokesperson from the local police also confirmed the body pulled from the water was that of Mr Sparkes.

They added: "Unfortunately, the missing person drowned in the water, and no other person's fault was found."

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

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