The family of missing Strabane man Jordan Gallagher say they are heartbroken at the thought of him being “alone in the darkness of the water” after he went missing on the River Foyle two weeks ago.
Hundreds of people have been taken part in daily searches along the banks of the River Mourne and River Foyle following reports that Jordan (21) was seen going into the water. They have been joined by the Foyle Search and Rescue Group and Strabane’s Community Rescue Service as well members of Jordan’s former GAA club, Strabane Sigersons.
Search groups have also travelled from other parts of Ireland to help the operation. Local businesses are providing support for the cross border searches around Lifford and Strabane.
The family said: “We as a family are distraught at the thought of Jordan being alone in the darkness of the water. We pray hard that God will spare us more anguish and give Jordan back to us.”
Jordan’s family is adamant that they will never give up their search.
“We are asking for a huge push of help going forward. We need eyes on the water. We need our boy home,” they said.
Volunteers were needed to walk the river banks in organised searches, starting at 10am and 4pm daily.
“We know it’s repetitive; we know it’s disheartening but every time we walk the river bank, we give Jordan the greatest chance at coming home,” they said.
Volunteers taking part in the search are being asked to wear hi-vis clothing, suitable footwear, use walking sticks and to work in groups of at least five people. They are also being warned to be wary of the dangers of the river banks and not to enter mud and never to enter the water.
The meeting point for searchers is the `Old Bungalow’ at Lifford Road.
