Body of Fraserburgh fisherman found in Norway after disappearance in 2021
Joe Masson was last seen in his creel boat at Cairnbulg Harbour in October 2021.
The body of a Fraserburgh fisherman who went missing nearly four years ago has been found on an island in Norway.
73-year-old Joe Masson left his home on the morning of 16 October 2021 to go out on his creel boat and was last seen near Cairnbulg Harbour that afternoon.
His family reported him missing, prompting a major search for the fisherman.
A search and rescue helicopter later discovered the upturned hull of the vessel close to rocks near Cairnbulg.
Mr Masson was not found and he was presumed dead.
Police have now confirmed a body has been discovered on the island of Sula, on the North West coast of Norway.
Formal identification is yet to take place but Joe's family have been informed.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm a body was discovered on the island of Sula on the north-west coast of Norway in March 2025.
"Enquiries are at an early stage and formal identification is yet to take place, however, the family of Joseph Masson, 73, who was last seen on Saturday 16 October 2021 on his boat not far from Cairnbulg Harbour, Cairnbulg, Fraserburgh, has been informed.
"Officers are liaising with the relevant authorities.
"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."
An investigation into the incident by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found that Mr Masson's vessel, Goodway, capsized as Mr Masson was "attempting to free a snagged fleet of creels and that the owner fell overboard".
It was not concluded if Mr Masson was wearing a personal flotation device at the time.
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