Emergency services retrieved the body of the tragic victim from Lower Lough Erne near Kesh
AN extensive search operation of Lough Erne has ended with the recovery of a man’s body who went missing after a tragic jet ski incident near Kesh.
31-year-old Kenny Andrews from Bangor, who was the managing director of a damp-proofing firm, went missing after he was involved in a jetski incident at Muckross Bay near Kesh.
A 28-year-old male, also believed to be from County Down, was rescued from the water on Sunday as he swam towards the shore and was rescued by a boat that was in the area.
A local man who regularly swims in the area has described the water on Sunday night as ‘rough and choppy’ with strong waves which created difficult conditions for the rescue.
The operation, involving police, RNLI , Community Rescue Service volunteers and the Irish Coastguard began the search for Mr Andrews on Sunday evening around 5.30pm, and it lasted until aorund 9pm on Monday night until his body was recovered.
Police confirmed that Mr Andrews’ body was found and said ‘a post mortem examination will take place in due course and that they are not treating the death as suspicious.’
Kenny Andrews was due to be getting married soon, and his fiancee and family have expressed their thanks to the emergency services who were involved in the search for him.
Local Councillor David Mahon, pictured, said that the community of Kesh has been saddened by the tragedy which happened at a popular area in the village. “The lake is a dangerous place and it seems to claim a life or two every year. The village is shocked and saddened that such a terrible accident happened on our doorsteps. I know everyone is thinking about the families involved. Muckross is a very big tourist attraction, especially on the weekend it is very busy with day trippers and tourists coming with their jet skis.” “I went down to the scene on Sunday evening and it was very windy and choppy which would have made things more difficult for the gentleman. The quick response time of the emergency services must be applauded, and for their efforts as they did the best they could in difficult conditions. People need to wary and careful when they are out and about on water and wear bouyancy aids at all times.” A spokesman for the RNLI who were heavily involved in the search operation said: “It is just a tragic incident, and we are all thinking on his family and those involved. All of the agencies worked together to carry out the search, but infortunately it was a very sad outcome. “While I wasn’t about on Sunday but I saw how bad the weather was in other areas, and I do believe it was challenging for the crew but they worked to the best of their expertise.” Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton has said that there has been widespread grief following a body being recovered from Lough Erne. “It would appear that what had started out as an exciting afternoon on a jet skiunfortunately has now ended with a fatality. Once again given the unpredictable conditions of inland waterways I would appeal that those using the loughs, exercise all safety precautions and also check the expected changes in the weather conditions .”
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