Search operation taking place for 23-year-old man who entered River Foyle

Derry's Foyle Search & Rescue is trying to locate a 23-year-old man who entered the River Foyle.

The charity said that on Saturday morning Donal Armstrong entered the river and has yet to be recovered.

Foyle Search & Rescue (FSR) is currently searching for his body using, boat, drone, sonar and shore.

In coordination with his family, FSR was asked to share information with the public.

Described as being of thin build, with short fair hair with a reddish tinge, Donal was last seen wearing a navy jacket with a white crest on the breast (ripped on the back right armpit), navy hoodie under the coat and an orange T-shirt below this, black trousers, blue trainers with brown soles and light blue lines on the heels.

A spokesperson for FSR said there will be no public call out from FSR to assist in the search, however if members of the public wish to walk the shoreline they’ve been encouraged to do so safely.

The charity issued the following guidelines:

• Always stay in a group of at least two and let someone know the area you are searching and notify them when you have completed your search.
• Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions(warm/waterproof clothing)
• Please wear a high-vis vest/bib/jacket if possible, to enable you to be easily identifiable.
• If you have access to a pole or brush shaft, please use it to test the ground in front of you.
• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone.
• Be careful along the river’s edge. Search between the river’s edge and high water line, not along the waters edge.
• If you approach rocks or large trees, try to walk around, not over, unless this means going too close to the edge.
• DO NOT walk on the Glar/mud. You may become stuck & need rescued.
• DO NOT wade or enter the water.
• DO NOT climb over any railings, under any circumstances.
• DO NOT cross over onto, or walk along, Rail Tracks.
• Check the tidal tables and weather forecast prior to commencing any search. If you need any advice on tides please contact Foyle Search & Rescue
• People who are searching are reminded that the river banks can be extremely hazardous after dark. If searching after dark, please stick to well lit-footpaths. We do not recommend searching in darkness.
• After dark, please do not shine any light on to boats or skis carrying out search/recovery activity, as this reduces visibility of those on the water.
• When searching along railings or on any of the Bridges DO NOT lean over the railings, as CCTV operators may not differentiate between a genuine searcher and a person who may be in need of help, requiring immediate activation of the emergency services

The charity also issued the following advice for those who might find something:

• In the event of finding any items of clothing etc. DO NOT TOUCH or remove. Please contact the PSNI on 101 who will in turn alert Foyle Search & Rescue 02871 313800.
• If an item of interest is in the water, stay close enough to keep an eye on it but do not go any closer. If the object is moving, try and walk along with it. Contact 101 who will in turn alert Foyle Search. Tell the operator the direction the object is floating in. If possible follow the object until help arrives.
• If you notice a body, do not go any closer or attempt to move. Dial 999 who will alert Foyle Search & Rescue. Give as much information as you can.