The desperate search for Liam Colgan has ended in heartbreak after a body was found in the main river running through Hamburg.
Inverness postman Liam disappeared 10 weeks ago on his brother Eamonn’s stag do. His family launched a search for him and several sightings were reported.
But clothing on the body recovered from the River Elbe in Hamburg matches those the 29-year-old was last seen in – and, more crucially, had his driving licence in a jacket pocket.
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Police in Germany are now investigating the cause of death as the process of formally identifying the body as Liam continues.
It is not known whether any family member is flying out to Hamburg as identification could be confirmed using DNA.
The discovery, if confirmed, will end a tragic two months for the Colgan family, who still held out hope of finding him alive, believing he may have suffered a head injury and memory loss in a fall.
Liam was last seen leaving the Veermaster pub having left the rest of the stag party around 1.30am.
A spokesman for Hamburg Police said: “After a witness had informed the police this morning [Monday], several patrol cars went to a harbour in the HafenCity.
“The fire brigade eventually salvaged a body floating in the water. The corpse was transported to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for examination.
“Although the identity of the dead man has not yet been finally clarified, there is evidence that this could be the missing person Liam Colgan.
“The police in Hamburg is already in contact with his family. Further investigations, especially on the cause of death, are continuing.”
The Lucie Blackman Trust, which helps families of people missing abroad, said the family understood the body was Liam.
A spokesman said the man found in the River Elbe had been wearing clothes matching those worn by Liam when he was last seen, and had his driving licence.
Matthew Searle, the charity’s chief executive, said: “An astonishing amount of support has been apparent in this case – the search for Liam has been joined by thousands of people, both German and British, and we would like to thank all of them for their support.
“Our thoughts are of course with Liam’s family and friends today.”
Liam’s disappearance on February 10 sparked a major search in the German city and further afield.
Thousands of leaflets were distributed in a bid to trace Liam.
The efforts were spearheaded by brother Eamonn, a Dundee-based police officer who postponed his wedding to fiancée Susan Dolan while searches took place.
Eamonn had described his brother as a “very laid-back, very positive, very proud and doting uncle to my two children”.
Family and friends had been planning to return to Germany next month to widen the search.
In the last post on the Find Liam Colgan Facebook page, Eamonn said: “The tireless support of volunteers has enabled us to search and we will never forget the incredible generosity of time, financially and emotionally.
“Without that help, we would never have come this far. It is hard to say how grateful we are to all of you.”
Tributes paid to Liam
The family of 24-year-old electrician Kevin Macleod, who drowned in Wick Harbour 21 years ago, have sent their sympathies to Liam Colgan’s family.
Kevin’s uncle Allan, who suffered heartache when his nephew died in mysterious circumstances, said: “Kevin’s parents and I were shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news that the body of Liam Colgan had been found in the river Elbe in Hamburg.
“Our sincere thoughts and sympathy are with Liam’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Tributes were being made across social media yesterday.
Former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier said: “This is very sad news, I’m sure many of us were holding out hope that #LiamColgan would be reunited with his family & friends. Absolutely heartbreaking news for them to come to terms with. Sincere condolences to all who knew & loved Liam.”
On Twitter, Susi @Susi_1887 added: “I feared something like this might have happened to Liam – my thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Em Nicholson @bazandem said: “A very sad result. Condolences to his family and friends.”
And MissDoc_x @MissDoc_x added: “Really sad to read that #LiamColgan has been found in the river in #Hamburg anyone who has ever been there would know how easy it would be to be drunk/disorientated and get yourself into trouble. Such a shame.
katie @weekathykat said: “Just read that #LiamColgan’s body has been found. Sad, sad news. RIP x.”
