Mum of young man, 20s, missing on Westmeath lake issues ‘critical’ appeal after fishing boat found abandoned

THE mother of a young man missing on a Co Westmeath lake has issued a desperate plea for assistance as searches continue into a third day.

The alarm was raised after a fishing boat belonging to the man, aged in his 20s, was found abandoned on Lough Ennell over the weekend.

The Garda Water Unit and Dog unit are now involved in a major search operation alongside the Civil Defence and local divers.

Searches were stood down on Sunday night but resumed early yesterday morning and continued through today.

Despite the extensive efforts, the Westmeath man’s mother confirmed today that her son is still missing.

She has taken to social media to ask anyone with a boat, kayak or drone to join today’s “critical” efforts.

In a plea this morning, she asked: “Unfortunately my son wasn’t found yesterday. Today is critical in the search.

“We are desperately short on drones for both over and underwater. If anyone could spare any even just for a short time I would greatly appreciate.”

And in a separate appeal last night, the worried mum said: “Tomorrow onwards is going to be critical in the search for the young man in Lilliput, and we’re urgently looking for anyone who has access to a boat and is available to help with the search.

“If you have a boat/kayak and some free time, or know someone who might be able to help, it would be hugely appreciated. Every bit of help could make a real difference.”

Frankie Wright, manager of Lilliput Adventure Centre at the lake, has been leading the community volunteer response.

Speaking to local radio station Midlands 103, he said: “The next three or four days are absolutely critical, they’re vital.

“This young man, we need to get him home to his mum and dad.”

Frankie urged “anybody who has sonar equipment of any kind” or underwater drones to make contact.

He told the station: “They’re phenomenal what they can do. So, massive shout out to anybody who has that sort of equipment.”

As the community rallies to aid the search, a local B&B has offered free accommodation to anyone travelling to the Lilliput area to join volunteers.

Cedarwood House B&B, located around 10 minutes outside Mullingar, has extended the generous offer to “volunteers who are travelling.”

Gardai involved in the search operation are appealing to anyone who may have seen a man in a fishing boat on Lough Ennell between 12.30am and 6pm on Saturday to contact Athlone Garda Station.