A body has been discovered during the search for a sailor who went missing from the Faslane Navy base. The search for 21-year-old Joshua Gayton had been ongoing since he was last seen in Helensburgh in the early hours of April 16.
Police Scotland announced that a body was found in the water off Helensburgh late last night. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, a police spokesperson indicated that Gayton’s family has been informed. There are no apparent suspicious circumstances surrounding the discovery.
Gayton, a sailor at the nearby Faslane Navy base, was reported missing after he failed to report for work, prompting a significant search operation involving Police Scotland, the Royal Navy, and Ministry of Defence police. Local residents were also asked to check outbuildings and sheds in the area as part of the search efforts.
Authorities had reviewed CCTV footage from around the area and were seeking information from anyone who may have seen or interacted with Gayton. Detectives had previously stated they were interested in speaking with a member of the public seen talking to Gayton outside Riva restaurant on West Clyde Street around 12:25 a.m. Additionally, officers were seeking the drivers of a white mini and a blue van that may have passed him as he was walking toward a footpath on East Clyde Street.
Gayton was last seen walking alone near Lomond Street, heading away from Helensburgh’s town centre. His disappearance was described as “unusual” and of “urgent concern.”
The discovery of a body brings a tragic development to the search, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gayton’s disappearance. Further details will be released as the investigation continues, and authorities ask anyone with information to come forward.
