A pensioner who died after a boat sank off the coast of Co Antrim on Saturday has been named by police as Jim Allen.
A major rescue operation was launched in the afternoon after police received reports of a boating incident just after 3.30pm.
The 94-year-old and another man aged in his 70s entered the water when the boat capsized around one and a half miles from Carrickfergus near Greenisland.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency crews, Mr Allen was pronounced dead.
The man in his 70s was treated at the scene.
In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: Mr Allen and another man aged in his 70s were on board the boat which was launched from the yacht club off the Sydenham Road around 1.30pm-2pm. However, at around 3pm, it was reported by a mayday call that the boat was starting to take in water.”
Detective Inspective Stephanie Finlay added: "Ultimately, both men entered the water when the boat capsized around one-and-a-half miles from Carrickfergus near Greenisland. Sadly, and despite the best efforts of emergency crews, the man in his 90s died. We believe, at this stage, that this was a tragic drowning incident. The man in his 70s was treated by ambulance crews at the scene.
"Our enquiries into what caused this boat to sink are at an early stage and the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is assisting. We would also appreciate the public's assistance. If you noticed the boat, described as white and measuring 18 feet, leaving the yacht club in east Belfast or saw the boat while out in the lough to please contact us on 101."
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