Inquiry sought after river deaths

Emergency services conducted a search at the riverside

An inquiry has been sought into the circumstances of a double drowning at a County Antrim river marina.

The bodies of a 29-year-old Charles McCausland and a 14-year-old Colin Kitchener were recovered from the River Bann at the Drumaheglis Marina near Ballymoney five hours after the search began on Sunday afternoon.

The operation was launched after Mr McCausland from Mossvale Park in Ballysally and the teenager from Danes Hill Road, both in Coleraine, disappeared on Sunday afternoon.

They had been enjoying a family day out when the tragedy happened yesterday afternoon.

The teenager fell from a jetty into the water and Mr McCausland - a friend of the family - immediately jumped in to help him.

But it is understood neither could swim and both disappeared under the surface.

A huge search was launched along several miles of river, involving two army helicopters, divers from the police underwater search team. and the coastguard.

The RUC's underwater search team combed a stretch of water around the marina for most of Sunday.

A spokesman said the water conditions were dangerous for any member of the public because the water was very cold and murky.

Two helicopters and the Portrush inshore lifeboat helped in the search after the alarm was raised at 1530 BST by a member of the public.

Ian Paisley Jnr: People should be aware of dangers

DUP assemblyman Ian Paisley Junior called for an inquiry following the tragedy.

The North Antrim member said: "I do think we should have an inquiry into what happened to see if any measures can be put in place to ensure something like this never happens again.

"I think it serves as a warning to people visiting tourist attractions like the marina, to be aware of the potential dangers and to make sure they have the proper safety gear at hand."

Local Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly member Sean Farren said the drownings were a "terrible tragedy".

He said: "Our thoughts go with those who have been bereaved by the loss of these two people in this terrible accident."