In The News

Tributes are paid to Rathlin Island boatman

Tributes are paid to Rathlin Island boatman

Tributes have been paid to boatman Johnny Curry whose body was recovered from the sea off his home island of Rathlin. 

It’s understood Mr. Curry, who was in his sixties, fell overboard from his boat as he travelled from the island to Ballycastle.

Reports say experts believe Mr. Curry may have been trying to deal with a snagged propeller on his boat when the tragedy happened.

A full air and sea search was launched when the alarm was raised on Saturday (July 2).

His body was recovered off Rue Point on Rathlin by the crew of Redbay lifeboat.

Among those to pay tribute was Noel McCurdy, who is chairman of the Rathlin Development and Community Assocation.

He said: “Everyone’s been left devastated by this tragedy. It is so hard to take it in.

“Johnny would go out to bring people back to the island when conditions weren’t good, so it is so sad he lost his life on one of the calmest days of the year.”

Ballycastle councillor Seamus Blaney also paid tribute.

He said: “Johnny was very well known and liked in Ballycastle. Everyone in the boating fraternity knew him. He was very popular.”

 

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