Keith Allday was Barmouth's harbour master

Mr Allday's body was found on a beach near Barmouth, Gwynedd, on Tuesday afternoon, a day after he and Mr Massey were reported missing as they worked on a boat in the town's harbour.

The search for Mr Massey was officially called off on Tuesday evening.

Mr Allday, 54, and 36-year-old helmsman Mr Massey had been on a routine job to lay a mooring in a 15ft dinghy, which was later found capsized outside the harbour wall.

Investigations into what happened to the men have been launched by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Gwynedd Council.

We've lost two very close friends. They were unique Andy Clift, RNLI

Following the discovery of Mr Allday's body, the flag at Barmouth lifeboat station flew at half mast.

As well as being RNLI lifeboat volunteers, Mr Allday was Barmouth's harbour master, with Mr Massey his assistant.

RNLI divisional inspector of lifeboats, Andy Clift, said that colleagues of the pair were "grief-stricken" after the long search.

He added: "Everybody's extremely disappointed, everybody's feeling extremely upset.

'Grief-stricken'

"We've lost two very close friends. They were unique.

"Some of the crew have been out for over 18 hours and they are very tired and very emotional. Everybody here is grief-stricken."

Mr Clift added that investigations had already been launched into the accident.

"We don't know what's happened yet, but there are two investigations ongoing," he said.

The flag at Barmouth lifeboat station flew at half-mast

"The Marine Accident Investigation Board and also the council (are investigating).

"The search will not continue on Wednesday."

Chairrman of Barmouth lifeboat Rob Howarth said he had very fond memories of both men.

"I had a drink with Alan on Sunday evening," he said.

"We sat and chatted for a while and over the next few weeks I'll remember that very much.

"Keith, too, was very thoughtful, tremendously thoughtful for his crew."

A full-scale search was launched at 1800 BST on Monday after the two men's capsized boat was spotted off the Barmouth coast.

A fuel tank and life jacket were found nearby.

The search by the Barmouth, Criccieth and Aberdovey RNLI lifeboats, coastguard search patrols, mountain rescue teams and police and RAF helicopters was hampered by difficult weather conditions.

Barmouth - which has a population of just 2000 - has been hit hard by the news.

"Alan would be there and have a laugh and a joke with you," said local fisherman Tommy Weedle.

"Keith would always have a smile on his face.

"They were jolly lads so it's a sweet memory," he added.

Fisherman Joseph King said the pair should not have gone out together.