VITAL equipment for use in underwater search operations has been donated in memory of Joby Murphy, whose body was recovered from the River Lagan in Belfast.
20-year-old Joby had disappeared on January 26, 2012, after attending a concert close to the river.
It is believed the young man from Glengormley had fallen into the water while using the footbridge at Lagan Weir. Despite extensive searches it was four weeks before his remains were recovered.
It was the fact that the sonar equipment used to locate Joby’s remains had to be borrowed from rescue teams in County Cork that inspired the young man’s family and friends to launch a fund-raising campaign.
Through the Joby Murphy Trust Fund (see below), a total of £41,000 was raised — £10,000 of which was donated by the group Snow Patrol whose concert Joby had attended before he disappeared.
The money has been used to buy sonar equipment for use by the Community Rescue Team in Northern Ireland.
The Joby Murphy Trust Fund had said the need to have sonar equipment available is evident in the frequent loss of life in waterways and the length of time it can take for a family to get their loved ones back.
The Fund added that the equipment purchased in memory of Joby could help bring closure to other families who may find themselves in such tragic situations in future.
To view a moving tribute to Joby, click here.
For more details on The Joby Murphy Trust Fund, click here.
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