Body found in month-long search for kayaker, 19, who capsized at sea after family pay tribute to ‘keen sportsman’

A BODY has been found during a month-long search for a 19-year-old kayaker whose boat capsized. Michael Henry, from the Rothbury area, was feared dead after his kayak tipped over in the sea near Boulmer, Northumberland, on July 7. Northumbria Police have been conducting extensive searches for Michael’s body since HM Coastguard called cops about a kayak containing two men capsizing. One of the men managed to swim from the small boat to a buoy while Michael remained unaccounted for. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The coastguard rescued the man from the buoy and launched a frantic search for Michael. Following the tragic discovery, a formal identification has taken place and a report has been prepared for the coroner. Michael’s family, who are being supported by specialist officers, paid tribute to Michael on July 15 when he was reported as presumed dead. His family said: “We would like to thank everyone for all their love, kindness and support now and throughout Michael’s life; it was that love and kindness that made him the marvellous person he was. “Michael was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, team-mate and friend; a keen sportsman who loved the outdoors. “Michael was preparing to go travelling this summer and hoping to start university next academic year. Michael will be forever in our thoughts, and we will miss him. Most read in The Sun “Our thanks go to the emergency services and everyone who is helping to search for Michael.” At the time police were conducting their searches, Chief Inspector Jon Caisley, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a tragic update to share, and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Michael’s family and friends. “Despite extensive searches at sea and on the coast, we have been unable to find Michael and he is sadly believed to have died at sea. “We know the impact this news will have upon his loved ones and the wider community.” Chief Insp Caisley added: “I would also like to thank all of our officers and partners to their assistance in the search efforts to find Michael. “We would continue to ask that people respect the family’s privacy at this time.”