The body of a father-of–two who had been missing in the sea for three weeks has been formally identified.
Matt McDavid, 42, from Leeds, disappeared from sight while swimming off the coast at Thornwick Bay near Flamborough on Wednesday, July 30.
Mr McDavid’s body was found on Thursday, August 21, on Tunstall beach, more than 25 miles away from where he was last seen. He has now been formally identified. Police have said the circumstances surrounding his death are not thought to be suspicious.
HM Coastguard, the RNLI and marine divers from Humberside Police had launched a search and rescue operation to find him, but despite their efforts they were unable to locate him.
The search was also hampered by Storm Floris which had hit the UK the same week.
At the weekend, family and friends took part in a 20-mile sponsored walk from Scarborough Lifeboat Station to Thornwick Bay to raise money for the emergency crews who had helped in the search. So far they have raised around £4,000.
Mr McDavid’s partner Michelle Sigsworth said Matt was an experienced swimmer who was familiar with the coast, and would not have entered the water if he had thought it was it unsafe. She said he was also a keen kayaker and bodyboarder as well as a Manchester United fan.
A spokesman for Humberside Police said: “The man has now been formally identified and is believed to be linked to reports of a concern for safety at Thornwick Bay in Flamborough on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
“The circumstances around his death are not thought to be suspicious, and his family have been informed and continue to be supported by officers.”