THE body of Michael Drouin (59), who recently retired from the Planning Department after many years of service, was found in the sea off Belcroute Bay on Friday night.

Police were alerted to the incident just before 6 pm and emergency services went to the scene.

St Helier inshore lifeboat was called out by the Sea Rescue Centre at 9.40 pm to tow Mr Drouin’s boat back into St Helier.

Mr Drouin was an architectural technician who worked at Public Services before moving to the Planning Department in the mid-80s.

He retired in June.

He was the son of Mana Drouin and Maurice Drouin, who was twice imprisoned by the Germans during the Occupation, firstly in France and then in the Czech Republic, from where he was rescued.

Michael Drouin, who has a daughter, Jennifer, was an artist and highly skilled pianist.

A Jerseyman who loved his Island, he could often be seen in his boat at Belcroute, which was one of his favourite places.

The police said that the cause of death was as yet unknown, but they were are not treating it as suspicious.