06 May 2024 , 18:55
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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."