Rescued fisherman aids Lough Ree search

It’s emerged rescued fisherman John Trimble visited the search operation in Hodson Bay yesterday evening in a bid to help pinpoint the area where their boat capsized last week.

The angler, who has been in Portiuncula Hospital since he was discovered in the water on Thursday evening, travelled the site of the tragedy yesterday aboard a garda boat to give searchers a better idea where to look for his missing clubmate Daryl Burke (30).

Lifeboat Operations Manager with the RNLI, Damien Delaney, explained that as result of that information he gave they have moved the search area today and are hopeful it will yield something amid calm conditions on the lake.

Up to 20 divers, mainly from Athlone Sub Aqua Club and garda teams, resumed the search early this morning in Yew Point, which is around a mile from Hodson Bay. Some sonar equipment is being used in the operation today.

Many family members are understood to be awaiting news at the Baysports centre, which has been acting as the main coordination centre for the search since it began last week.

Meanwhile, the Portadown Pikers, the angling club all three fishermen were part of, said they have been overwhelmed and touched by the support shown by the whole community and beyond.

“Since the tragedy unfolded we have been approached by so many kind people wanting to help, we felt this  website could be used as a way for some of you to support the families of both David Warnock and Daryl Burke,” their Facebook posting reads.

Anyone who wants to donate can do so at http://portadownpikers.co.uk.