Body found in River Foyle after two-week search operation for missing young Derry man

A huge search operation had been under way for over a fortnight for 23-year-old Donal Armstrong, who had entered water in Derry

A body has tragically been discovered in the more than two-week search for a 23-year-old who had entered the water in Derry.

A massive search operation had been ongoing for young Donal Armstrong for 15 days after he went into the Foyle on the morning of Saturday, September 28.

Foyle Search and Rescue, based at Prehen in the Waterside area of Derry, had been engaged in a tireless search operation to find Armstrong, but sadly on Sunday, the organisation confirmed that a body was found, Belfast Live reports.

The Boyne Fishermans Rescue and Recovery had arrived in Derry on Sunday to help out in the huge search and rescue operation, with crew attached to the Drogheda and Mayo dive divisions also helping out.

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In a statement on Sunday evening, Foyle Search and Rescue thanked everyone who helped to search for the young man, as they expressed their deepest condolences for his family.

"Earlier this morning on day 15, shortly before our teams and family and friends of Donal Armstrong began our coordinated search, Boyne Rescue found a body," a spokesperson for the Derry-based charity said.

"Both organisations then worked together to return Donal home to his family. We would like to thank everyone who supported the Armstrong family over the last two weeks, whether it was searching, providing refreshments or simply supporting them. It has warmed our hearts.

“Our sincere thanks to our partner agencies within NISAR: Search & Rescue Dog Association - SARDA Ireland North, Community Rescue Service Western District and local policing for their help in searches. All assistance has been very much appreciated, including that of our dedicated volunteers."

The Foyle Search and Rescue statement added: "Our sincerest thoughts are with the Armstrong family in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. May Donal rest in peace."

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