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LONDON - The family of a canoeist who went missing, presumed drowned, five years ago told of their trauma and shock after he surfaced alive and well at the weekend.
Anthony and Mark Darwin revealed the stress of being reunited with their father, John Darwin, 57, a few days after he turned himself in at a London police station.
They said it had been a "traumatic and emotional time" since they found out their father, a former prison officer, was alive.
Darwin was reported missing in March 2002 after he failed to appear at work and the shattered remains of his red canoe were later found washed up on a beach near Hartlepool, Cleveland.
Despite extensive searches involving aircraft, lifeboats and a Royal Navy ship, no trace was found of him.
On Saturday, Darwin turned up at West End Central police station in London. Mystery still surrounds his disappearance, after it was revealed he has no memory not just of the five years since his disappearance but also the previous two years.
Police will interview him at a later date to determine why he was missing for that length of time.
Media reports have said that his wife, Anne, 55, left the country with 450,000 pounds shortly before his re-appearance.
She has sold the couple's two houses and reportedly opened a bank account in Panama City, where she is believed to be living.
In a statement issued through Cleveland Police late on Tuesday, Darwin's sons said their mother had been "informed of the good news and is delighted to hear it".
They said while their father was in good health he couldn't remember anything.
"We have spoken with John and he appears to be in good health, however he currently has no memory of events since June 2000," they said.
"We appreciate that there is huge media interest in this story. However, due to John's memory loss there is little more we can add. Since Saturday evening we have been through a traumatic and emotional time and this continues to be a stressful time for John and the family."
They urged the media to allow them some "privacy" as they were still getting over their shock.
"The news of John's appearance came as a huge shock to the whole family," they continued.
"We are extremely happy that he is alive and we are looking forward to spending time with him."
A police spokeswoman said in a statement that police would quiz Darwin at a later date, but she couldn't say when.
She urged anyone with information to contact police.
- REUTERS
