Lough Erne Jet ski accident claims the life of Bangor businessman

The accident took place on Sunday evening. On Monday evening following a co-ordinated search involving a number of agencies the body of 31 year old Kenny Andrews was recovered from the Lough. A 28 year old man, involved in the same accident, was rescued on Sunday evening.

Mr Andrews was from Bangor and the managing director of Newtownards-based company, Damp Proofing NI.

His fiancée and family have expressed their thanks to the emergency services who were involved in the search for him.

In a statement the Community Rescue Service said:

“A multi-agency response got underway involving the Community Rescue Service, Police Service for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI and the Irish Coastguard helicopter from Sligo. Searches continued throughout the evening before being stood down for the night late on Sunday.

Searches resumed on Monday morning when, following a joint operation by the CRS and PSNI, a body was located believed to be that of the missing person. The deceased was recovered by the PSNI dive team and brought to shore.”

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Rosmeary Barton said that “this will mark a period of great grief for the next of kin. It would appear that what had started out as an exciting afternoon on a jet ski unfortunately has now ended with a fatality.”

She continued:

“At this very difficult time my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family together with those of the rescued jet skier.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 . I again re-iterate my thanks to those in the emergency services who helped following this incident."

On twitter Fermanagh and Suoth Tyrone MP, Michelle Gildernew said it was a “tragic time for the families concerned and all those involved in the search and rescue.”