Funeral of Purbeck Isle skipper is held

The funeral of David McFarlane was held today Credit: Dorset Police

The family of the skipper of a boat that sank off the coast of Dorset lay him to rest today.

The funeral of Purbeck Isle skipper David McFarlane, who was known as "Farley", took place this morning in Weymouth.

Afterwards family and friends gathered at the King’s Arms on the harbourside.

35 year old David McFarlane, along with crewmen 20 year old Robert Prowse and Jack Craig, who was 22, went out fishing on May 17th in the Purbeck Isle, but never returned.

Coastguard searched the area over the following three days, during which time Mr McFarlane’s body was discovered. But the bodies of Mr Prowse and Mr Craig have never been found.

Meanwhile, donations have been pouring into the Purbeck Isle Memorial Fund which was set up to support the families of the lost sailors.

The harbour wall is now lined with flowers as the community pays its respects.

This has been combined with generous donations to the memorial fund, which was spearheaded by the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen’s and Boatmen’s Association.

There are now more than 160 places across Dorset where people can donate.