The family of a Strabane, Co Tyrone, oil worker, who was believed to have drowned after falling overboard from a deep-sea dive vessel in the North Sea 140 miles east of Aberdeen early last Saturday morning, spoke yesterday of their journey from despair to relief after he was found on board the DSND Pelican.
Christopher McGonigle (35), Wood End Road, Strabane, was found suffering from a broken leg and other fractures in a normally inaccessible roof space on board the 93.8m (308ft) vessel late on Sunday night.
He had been prayed for at all Masses in Strabane on Saturday and Sunday. Just before midnight on Sunday his family received the news that he had been found safe and well.
A huge search that involved nine boats and three helicopters was begun after Mr McGonigle was reported missing.
The DSND Pelican was also searched twice but there was no sign of Mr McGonigle. However, on Sunday night crew members using the vessel's gymnasium heard noises and, following a brief search, they found their injured colleague.
Mr McGonigle was yesterday being comforted in the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by his family, who flew over from Derry.
"I was praying that my son's body would be found before Christmas when suddenly on Sunday night we received the phone call that he was alive," said his mother, Claire.
"To find my son is one of the greatest of miracles. We all love him so much. I didn't think we would ever see him again."