Body of missing Scots tourist recovered from Prague river

BBC

6 May 2024 at 10:39 am·1-min read

The body of a missing Scottish tourist has been recovered from a river in Prague, police in the Czech Republic have confirmed.

Joop Sparkes, 29, from Galashiels was reported missing after boarding a party boat on the Vltava river on Sunday, April 28.

His girlfriend, Charley Maben, and other family members travelled to the Czech capital last week to search for the construction worker.

Mr Sparkes' body was found about a mile downstream from where he was last seen.

Family fundraiser

Missing person appeals were issued in the days after Mr Sparkes was reported missing.

Friends in the Scottish Borders donated more than £11,000 to a fundraiser to assist his family with the search.

Mr Sparkes' sister, Jodie Wilson, said his body was recovered from the water on Sunday night.

The family is now being assisted by UK government officials in Prague.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Czech Republic and are in contact with the local authorities."

Australian Associated Press
Stand-off ends after rival protesters clash with police
Protesters have clashed with police in Melbourne amid rival demonstrations related to the conflict in the Middle East.
Australian Associated Press
Bombers fly up to second spot, Kangaroos still winless
Essendon have posted a triple-figure score for just the third time this season in a 40-point win over struggling North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Australian Associated Press
Panthers upset 'proves what Warriors need to do': coach
The Warriors have sprung a huge upset on reigning premiers Penrith, with stand-in fullback Taine Tuaupiki scoring the winning conversion after crossing late.
Australian Associated Press
More Queensland joy for Mavericks in Super Netball
A huge 50-goal effort from Shimona Jok has helped Melbourne Mavericks to a second Super Netball win, with the Firebirds vanquished in Brisbane.
Australian Associated Press
Man who stabbed officer 'asked police to shoot him'
A man is under police guard after he allegedly confronted an officer near a busy Sydney park and stabbed him repeatedly in the back of the head.
Australian Associated Press
Port's Wines suffers heart issue against Hawks
Port Adelaide's Ollie Wines has been substituted out of the game against Hawthorn while suffering heart palpitations.
Australian Associated Press
Airport accused of blocking rail line over parking cash
Rank-and-file Labor members have rebuked the Victorian government and Melbourne Airport over a long-running stand-off delaying a much-anticipated train line.
Australian Associated Press
Waters edges Mostert, Brown for Perth Supercars pole
Tickford Racing star Cam Waters has backed up his podium finish on Saturday by claiming pole position for Sunday's Supercars race in Western Australia.
Australian Associated Press
Lockyer backs Madden to guide Broncos without Reynolds
Brisbane legend Darren Lockyer says half Jock Madden's game management and cool head to land a match winning field goal against Manly summed up his class.
Australian Associated Press
Health system under pressure as hospital data released
Hospitals across Queensland are under strain amid concerns the busy winter months could put more stress on the health system and blow out patient waiting times.
Australian Associated Press
Australian BMX star Logan Martin 2nd in Oly qualifier
Australian BMX star Logan Martin can start dreaming of a second Olympic title after a fine showing in Shanghai.
Australian Associated Press
Best set for scans as NSW, Knights hold their breath
Newcastle football boss Peter Parr says Bradman Best will have scans on an injured hamstring as Kalyn Ponga's rehabilitation is set to go up a notch.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie Green helps Mavs into NBA West finals series
Australian star Josh Giddey's first NBA playoffs series is over after Dallas pipped Oklahoma City in game 6 to advance to the Western Conference finals series.
Australian Associated Press
Morikawa mows down Schauffele on moving day at Valhalla
Former champion Collin Morikawa and fellow American Xander Schauffele are the joint third-round leaders at the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.
Australian Associated Press
Dockers set to welcome back Sean Darcy for Pies test
Fremantle expect Sean Darcy to be cleared of a calf injury in time to return against Collingwood in round 11, resuming his ruck partnership with Luke Jackson.
Australian Associated Press
PM praises push to ban kids from social media
Anthony Albanese says parents 'are worried sick' about what their kids have access to online, as he welcomes moves to ban kids from social media.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie restores order, wins back belt in Saudi slugfest
Australian Jai Opetaia has reclaimed the IBF cruiserweight boxing world title, winning on points in a bloody rematch with Mairis Briedis in Saudia Arabia.
Australian Associated Press
Usyk edges Fury to be undisputed heavyweight champion
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk defeated Englishman Tyson Fury by split decision in Riyadh to become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie Herbert stays in touch at PGA Championship
Australian golfer Lucas Herbert will need a big Sunday charge to win the PGA Championship as he starts the final round six shots off the pace at Valhalla.
Australian Associated Press
Rationale behind RBA's last cash rate call on show
The minutes from the last Reserve Bank meeting will outline the thinking behind keeping rates on hold and how seriously the case to hike was considered.

Family fundraiser

Latest stories