Search Intensifies for Missing Kiwi Monk on Remote Scottish Island
A grim atmosphere has descended upon the Orkney Islands as the search continues for Justin Evans, a 24-year-old New Zealander who vanished from the remote island of Papa Stronsay. Police Scotland are actively appealing for any information that could lead to his whereabouts, having last seen him shortly before midnight on April 11th.
Evans, originally from Christchurch, had been living at the Golgotha Monastery on Papa Stronsay for approximately two years. He is described as being six feet tall, with short hair and a dark beard, and speaks with a distinct New Zealand accent. At the time of his disappearance, he was reportedly wearing a white robe.
A Community in Prayer and Concern
While police efforts are ongoing, the Diocese of Aberdeen has issued a statement expressing deep sadness and the presumption of death for Justin Evans, also known as Brother Ignatius within the Redemptorist community on Papa Stronsay. The diocese indicated that local police and coastguard services have called off their active sea searches, believing he may have come to harm in conditions involving the sea.
The statement from the Diocese of Aberdeen read: "The Diocese has learned with deep sadness of the disappearance and presumed death of Justin Evans, also know as Brother Ignatius, aged 24, a member of the Redemptorist community on the island of Papa Stronsay. It is believed he came to harm in conditions involving the sea."
The community has expressed their profound sorrow, with prayers being offered for his community and family during this incredibly difficult time. Brother Ignatius was remembered for his humility and charity.
Back in Christchurch, St Bede's College, where Evans was once a student, has also shared their shock and sadness. Rector Jon McDowall recalled him as a "charismatic leader" during his time at the college and extended thoughts and prayers to his family.
Island Life and the Search Effort
Papa Stronsay is a tiny island, home to a handful of monks belonging to the Catholic order, Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer. It is situated a short boat ride from the larger island of Stronsay, which has a population of around 30 to 40 families, primarily farmers.
A resident of Stronsay, speaking anonymously, conveyed the collective effort being made to find Evans. They acknowledged the immense worry felt by loved ones back in New Zealand and reassured them that the community was doing everything possible. "Everybody is doing their best here and that's how small communities are," they stated. "We saw people were out looking for the lad and we'll just keep looking. Let's keep him in our prayers."
James Geluk, a New Zealander who has resided on the Orkney mainland for several years, provided some context to the islands' geography and isolation. He explained that Papa Stronsay is a small island, comparable in size to Waiheke Island in New Zealand. During low tide, it is possible to wade between Papa Stronsay and Stronsay, though both remain relatively isolated communities.
Geluk noted that the Sons of the Holy Redeemer purchased Papa Stronsay around the year 2000 and have since renovated the existing ruined monastery. While the order is known for its reclusive nature, Geluk has seen the monks occasionally in Orkney when they come over for supplies.
Challenges and Speculation
The search operation, which involved the Coastguard and police staging from Kirkwall, the main harbour in Orkney, highlights the challenges of the remote location. Geluk commented, "It's not ridiculously uncommon for sea rescues and operations to go on... but don't typically hear anything from the monks, from the monastery. It's very difficult to imagine somebody being able to get off there [the island] without needing people on Stronsay itself."
Father Michael Mary, the founder of the traditionalist Catholic order that owns the monastery, described the situation as "utterly tragic." He shared his suspicion that Evans may have been suffering from long-term hypothermia prior to his disappearance. "We are a close community and this has hit us all very hard and is deeply hurting," he said. "We hope to find him and hope that the sea will give him up soon."
The search for Justin Evans is a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea and the unique challenges faced by those living in remote island communities. The focus now shifts to recovering him and providing support to his grieving family and community.
Related Articles: * New Zealand monk goes missing from remote Scottish island monastery * New Zealand monk missing from remote Scottish monastery may have had 'long term hypothermia', founder says * Scottish island where Kiwi monk Justin Evans went missing not entirely isolated - local councillor
No comments:
Post a Comment