A BODY recovered from the sea off Portland has been identified as the skipper of the Purbeck Isle fishing boat, David McFarlane.

Mr McFarlane, 35, from Weymouth, was one of three aboard the boat which went missing on Thursday, sparking a major sea search.

Known as Farley, Mr McFarlane is a popular local fisherman and a father-of-three.

His family have asked for privacy as they come to terms with the loss.

The wreck of Purbeck Isle has been identified as lying in 50 metres of water 10 miles off Portland.

Coastguards and lifeboat crews are continuing to search for the other two crewmembers, Robert Prowse and Jack Craig.

An investigation into the tragedy has been launched by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, in conjunction with Dorset Police.