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"We just want Mark home"
13.10.09
Search called off for
missing fisherman:
by Linda McGrory
THE family of a young Greencastle fisherman lost at
sea in Scotland have described their devastation at
losing "the life and soul" of their home.
Mark Duffy, (22), fell overboard in a tragic
accident in the early hours of last Friday while
working on board the crab fishing vessel 'Noronya'
off the Orkney Islands.
His parents Martin and Geraldine Duffy of Upper
Drumaweir, Greencastle, yesterday said they were
heartbroken at losing their "happy-go-lucky" son. He
was the fourth born in their family of three girls
and three boys and, despite his youth, had six
years' experience as a fisherman. |
"Mark started fishing
when he was 16 and was a very hard worker - always
on the go. He loved being out on the water and lived
life to the full," said Martin. "We're getting some
comfort from the fact he was lost doing something he
absolutely loved."
The 22-year old single man had been working on the
Orkney-registered 'Noronya' for about a month and
had been working in the Scottish crabbing industry
for several years. |
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He had dreams of one
day skippering his own boat, say his family. His
mother Geraldine said her son loved people and was
popular among family, friends and colleagues.
"Mark always had time to speak to everyone. He was a
warm, loving person who was idolised by his brothers
and sisters. We just want him home where he
belongs," she said.
An air and sea search involving the Shetland
Coastguard helicopter, lifeboats, 'Noronya', a
number of trawlers and a Royal Navy minesweeper, HMS
Bangor, swung into action after 'Noronya' issued a
May Day around 4.10am on Friday. The search was
officially called off 13 hours later but the young
man's crew mates continued their search until 1.30pm
on Saturday. |
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It is understood Mark’s
colleagues saw him being pulled overboard after
getting caught in fishing ropes. They threw a
life-ring but the young man, who was not wearing a
life jacket, tragically did not resurface.
His sisters, Mary (27), Joanne (25) and Claire (21)
and brothers Patrick (24) and Anthony (18) fondly
described their brother's good humour and fun
personality as they were comforted at home yesterday
by relatives, friends and neighbours. Apart from
fishing, he loved dance music and fixing up his car
while he also "doted" on his |
little nephew
Adam (5), they said.
"Nothing ever seemed to get Mark down. He would
always have time for his family and friends and
always had a smile for everyone," said older sister
Mary. Gardai in Inishowen are liaising with the
authorities in Orkney on behalf of the Duffy family. Drumfries-born
Geraldine said she lived in hope of getting her son
back home. The family, as yet, have no immediate
plans for a memorial service. "We are taking each
day as it comes. We would like to thank everyone who
helped search for Mark and all the people who
visited the house in recent days. We would also like
to thank Fr Patrick McGoldrick and the Gardai. We
want people to know that all visitors are very
welcome to call to the house," added Martin. |
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