Remains Discovered in Search for Missing 24-Year-Old Monk from Remote Scottish Island Monastery

Police Scotland confirmed that the body was found early Wednesday morning, around 7:35 a.m., on the neighboring island of Stronsay in Orkney. While the identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed, the discovery comes amidst an ongoing investigation into Evans’ disappearance.

In a coordinated effort, the RNLI Kirkwall was dispatched following a call from the coastguards to aid in the recovery operation. The police have described the investigation as being at a preliminary stage, with more inquiries needed to ascertain the identity of the body and the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

RNLI Kirkwall responded to a call from coastguards to assist, while police said inquiries about the body were at an early stage.

It comes as officers are hunting for young monk Justin Evans, 24, who was last seen at the Golgotha Monastery on Papa Stronsay shortly before midnight on April 11.  

The monk, also known as Brother Ignatius, is described as being around 6ft tall, with short hair and a dark beard. 

He notably speaks with a New Zealand accent and was last seen wearing a white robe. 

The force said in a statement: ‘Inquiries are at an early stage following the recovery of a body from the water near the island of Stronsay, which was reported around 07:35 on Wednesday.

‘The death is being treated as unexplained.

Young monk Justin Evans, 24, is described as being around 6ft tall, with short hair and a dark beard

He was last seen at at the Golgotha Monastery on Papa Stronsay (pictured)

The traditional Catholic monastery was established in 1999

‘A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.’

The Diocese of Aberdeen said it felt ‘deep sadness’ at the ‘disappearance and presumed death’.

Inspector David Hall previously said: ‘Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace Justin and as time passes concerns are growing.

‘We are working with partner agencies and extensive searches are being carried out in the island area.

‘I am now appealing for anyone may have visited the island and have any information on Justin or his whereabouts to contact us.’

Golgotha Monastery is a traditional Catholic monastery established in 1999.

The Church said they presumed the monk is dead.

They held a Requiem mass for him and said he had been ‘lost to the sea’.

His family travelled to Orkney for the mass and attended a ceremony to raise a memorial cross on Papa Stronsay island. 

Father Michael Mary, one of the founders of the group, claimed Mr Evans had been ‘suffering from hypothermia’ in the weeks leading up to his disappearance. 

A post on the order’s social media page said: ‘We tragically lost our Brother Ignatius Maria to the sea.

‘We, the police and the coastguard have not been able to find his body.

‘It has been a time of unparalleled tragedy for Brother, his family (three others of whom are members of our Congregation) and us all.

‘Brother had just made his First Profession on March 19, and was a true example of a good and holy monk. He had been to confession just before his death.’

A spokesperson for the coastguard said: ‘Kirkwall Coastguard Rescue Team and an RNLI lifeboat from Kirkwall were sent to an incident at Stronsay, reported at about 7.35am on May 6. Police Scotland was also informed.’