The body of a woman, believed to be missing 42-year-old Joanna Orpin, has washed ashore in Chichester.
Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team, Police and a Technical Rescue Unit from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called to Bosham Quay late yesterday afternoon (Saturday) following the discovery of a woman’s body at the tide’s edge.
Although formal identification is yet to take place, Police believe the body to be that of Joanna Orpin. Her family have been informed of the discovery.
Island Echo understands Joanna’s bright pink jacket was recovered by Hampshire Constabulary’s Marine Unit in Whitecliff Bay on Friday. Her shoes were found at the base of Culver by HM Coastguard on Wednesday morning.
The search and recovery operation has involved no less than 4 Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Coastguard helicopter, Bembridge RNLI, Selsey RNLI, Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, multiple Police officers, specialist search advisors and dogs, the National Police Air Service helicopter, Hampshire Police Marine Unit, WightSAR, Lowland SAR drone unit and West Sussex’s Technical Rescue Team.
The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. Next of kin have been informed.
