PEOPLE across the country shone lights out to sea to remember the crew of a fishing boat that sunk off the coast of Newhaven, it has been reported.

Skipper David Bickerstaff, 34, was rescued when the boat went down last month while Adam Harper, 26, died and Robert Morley, 38, remains missing.

A memorial was staged in harbour towns last night to "light his way home," according to the BBC.

Crowds gathered in Newhaven at 18:14 GMT - the same time as the distress call was sent out from the boat two weeks ago.

Mr Morley's stepfather Barry Woolford told the BBC: "It's lovely, the fishing community, it makes you feel proud.

The Argus: A two-minute silence was held in Newhaven to remember crew members of the Joanna C who were lost at sea after the fishing boat sank last monthA two-minute silence was held in Newhaven to remember crew members of the Joanna C who were lost at sea after the fishing boat sank last month

"We're gutted to put it mildly. It seems harder now, two weeks on.

"We just want our son home for some final closure. Until the sea gives him up, we can't lay him to rest and give him the send off he deserves.

"It was a freak accident and a tragedy. We're shining these lights to bring him home."

A major sea search was launched when the three-man crew of the Joanna C set off an emergency beacon off the coast of Newhaven.

READ MORE >> Tributes paid to Newhaven fishermen feared dead in sinking

Mr Bickerstaff was found clinging to a buoy in jeans and a t-shirt.

Mr Harper's body was later recovered from the wreck of the boat by divers.

An investigation has been launched into the sinking of the Brixham-registered vessel.

Last night, visiting cruise ships in Tor Bay blew their horns and fresh flowers and cards were placed by the Man and Boy statue in Brixham.