'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, may Andrew rest in peace': Rescue teams pass on condolences after body found in search for missing Portadown man
Rescue teams have passed on their condolences after a body was found in the search for missing man Andrew Robinson.
Over the weekend a body was located at the River Bann, ending a huge search that had been continuing since last month.
Portadown man Andrew had been missing since November 15, the discovery bringing more than 40 days of worry for his family to a tragic end.
Two of the teams involved in the hunt, K9 Search and Rescue NI and Meath River Rescue, passed on their condolences to his grieving loved ones.
In a statement on social media, K9 Search and Rescue NI said that from the outset of the operation their thoughts had been with Andrew’s family.
“They remain very much with them at this difficult and heart-breaking time,” stated the organisation. “We extend our deepest sympathies to all who have been affected by this tragic outcome.
“The search for Andrew brought together a significant number of search and rescue teams from across Ireland and the UK. We wish to acknowledge and thank every individual and organisation who gave their time, skills, and resources throughout this extensive operation.
“In particular, we would like to recognise and commend Mark Patrick Hughes and Phillip Hand, whose efforts led to Andrew being located. Their actions brought an end to a long and challenging search and allowed Andrew to be returned to his family.
"We would also like to thank the local community for their support and understanding throughout the search activity.”
Meath River Rescue, a group of swimmers and divers based in Navan over the border, confirmed a body was found on day 43 of the search for missing Andrew.
Stated the organisation: “Meath River Rescue members with Mark and Philip recovered the body of the missing person.
“A short time later, the body was transferred to police and undertakers.
“We would like to acknowledge the support from the members of all the other rescue teams who came together.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. May Andrew rest in peace.”
The police have stated that a post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death.