Body of Brit tourist who 'jumped into Czech river from party boat' recovered

The body of a missing British tourist who vanished after plunging into the water on a party boat has been found after emergency services trawled a Czech river.

Joop Sparkes, 29, travelled to Prague with friends on Friday 26 April for a weekend break.

The following night the revellers, who had been touting the capital’s bars, left the President Hotel Prague.

Mr Sparkes was witnessed jumping into the Vltava river in the early hours of 28 April while his friends drank at the bar.

Mr Sparkes, from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, vanished from sight, triggering a search.

A number of his loved ones, including his sister Jodie Wilson and girlfriend Charley Maben had travelled to the Czech Republic after his disappearance.

A gofundme page had been set up to raise money for the search.

It said: “During an organised party boat trip with friends, Joop allegedly went overboard into the Vltava River. Despite initial sightings by a fellow passenger, there has been no trace of him since.

“Joop entered the water between 1-2am near the Charles Bridge Area, wearing a black T-shirt.His sister (Jodie) , girlfriend (Charley) and other family members have flown out to Prague to try and find him/get answers to his disappearance.

“At the time of writing this plea, Joop has been missing for over 60 hours and no contact has been made with him. His belongings have also remained untouched in the accommodation he was staying at.”