POLICE DIVERS, firefighters and coast guards were yesterday still searching the river Tiber in Rome for the body of Waterford man Vincent Wall, believed to have drowned after falling into the fast-flowing, swollen waters in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Despite heavy rain, the search has been carried out over an extensive section of the river from Ponte Mazzini, close to the Vatican in the centre of Rome, all the way to the port of Fiumicino, where the Tiber enters the Tyrrhenian sea, 30km (18 miles) down river. A police helicopter is helping with the search.
Yesterday, members of the Wall family, who arrived in Rome on Sunday, met the rescue authorities for a full briefing on the efforts being made to find Mr Wall’s body. Afterwards, they expressed their gratitude to the rescue services, a gratitude publicly reiterated by Cathy Braham, the woman who was to have married Mr Wall on January 2nd next.
In a statement released to Rome media, Ms Braham appealed to anyone to signal any unusual sightings, adding: “Vincent, the man that I love deeply, has been suddenly and tragically taken away from me and his family. Now, I find myself in Rome . . . to take Vincent home so that he can rest in peace with his family and friends in Colligan, Dungarvan, in Ireland.
“Vincent’s body has not yet been found. I appeal to all those who live, work or have any business near the river – please, if you see anything, no matter what, contact the police emergency numbers.”
Ms Braham paid tribute to the courage of those rescue workers who “risked their lives” when getting into the Tiber in dinghies on Friday night in an attempt to save Mr Wall. She also thanked bystanders, many of whom had gathered to observe the flooded Tiber, for their efforts to help.
Ms Braham concluded her appeal by saying: “Vincent was a sweet and generous person, deeply attached to his parents, Marian and Michael, and to his sisters, Olivia, Gillian and Avril. When I met Vincent for the first time eight years ago, I knew I had met my soul partner for life. I appeal to all the population of Rome, please help me take Vincent home.”
Despite the forecast of a further three days incessant rain, police sources last night confirmed the search for Mr Wall would go on “just as long as it has to”.
It has been hampered by the Tiber rising 4.5m (15ft) in recent days to its highest level for 40 years.