The family of missing Workington man Nicholas Degraff say they won’t know if a body found in the sea is him for at least two weeks.
Police issued a statement yesterday to say a body had been found near the Port of Workington in the sea at around 11.40am.
It has been reported that the man was found by a dredger in Workington Harbour.
Charlotte Degraff, Nicholas’ sister said: “It could take up to two weeks to identify so until then we won’t be able to confirm it is Nic.
“As soon as we know, we will of course let everyone know.
“It’s been a crazy, heartbreaking six weeks so until then I will be spending the time with my family while we try to process it.
“I hope we’ve found you Nicholas Degraff and you’re safe now.”
Nicholas was last seen on December 12 in Great Clifton.
He was due to arrive in Workington, but did not arrive and his dog Leia was found later that day by the River Derwent.
Since the alarm was raised, emergency services and the community have been out looking for the 23-year-old.
Mass searches were launched by emergency services including police, Coastguard, mountain rescue teams and members of the community also joined in.
Nicholas’ coat was found in the river and his dog’s lead was also recovered, but so far there has been no sign of Nicholas himself.
A Gofundme page was set up to help the family fund their search and has so far raised more than £18,000.
