Missing sailor injured but alive

Christopher McGonigle was thought to have fallen overboard

A missing oil worker who was thought to have fallen overboard from his dive support vessel in the North Sea has been found alive on board the ship.

Searches were carried out over two days for 35-year-old Christopher McGonigle, who had not been seen since Saturday on the DSNS Pelican, east of Aberdeen.

A coastguard spokesman said Mr McGonigle, from Northern Ireland, had been found after 42 hours.

He was discovered in a store room with a broken leg and back injuries.

Grampian Police are expected to investigate the incident.

Mr McGonigle, from Strabane in County Tyrone, works for Subsea 7 as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operator on the 308ft boat.

Mr McGonigle went missing from DSND Pelican on Saturday

The boat had been at sea for six days carrying out a series of dive support services in the North Sea.

Mr McGonigle was eventually found on board the boat by a fellow crew member at about 2200 GMT on Sunday, stowed away in what is considered a normally inaccessible space above a roof panel.

It is believed he had food and water with him.

Mr McGonigle was transferred from the boat by helicopter to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Robin Davies, Subsea 7's North Sea vice-president, said: "We are delighted Christopher has been found alive and is now being attended to by the ARI medical staff.

"We will now try and establish the reasons behind his disappearance and, of course, assist Grampian Police in any enquiries they may have."

Christopher's mother, Clare, spoke of her relief after he was found alive.

"To find my son alive is just one of the greatest miracles, because we all love him so much and I didn't believe it until I heard him speak to me on the phone," she said.

"All I wanted was his remains for a Christmas present for me and I couldn't believe when they said he was found alive."

The crewman was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

His sister, Deirdre Shakespeare, thanked Subsea 7 for not giving up on the search to find him.

"It's been a very, very hard time for all of us coming up to Christmas," she added.

Father John Doherty, from Mr McGonigle's home town, explained how he had been found.

"Some of the staff were training in the gym and heard a noise and went and discovered Christopher," he said.

"Apparently, he is not totally well. He has got a broken leg and is suffering from hypothermia and dehydration."

Aberdeen Coastguard watch manager George Downie said: "We are absolutely amazed and delighted that this man has been found.

"A very thorough search of the vessel was made several times over by the crew and there was no sign of him.

"The doctor on board the vessel examined him and found that he was suffering from a broken leg."