Tributes have been paid to Jim Allen after his tragic death in a drowning incident near Carrickfergus on Saturday.
The 94-year-old entered Belfast Lough after the boat he was on with another man started to take on water at around 3pm.
The 70-year-old man who was with him, Willie Mahood, was rescued but Jim sadly passed away.
Read more: Man in 90s named as Carrickfergus drowning victim
Jim had been a member of the East Belfast Yacht Club and had set out from their Sydenham base on Saturday between 1.30 and 2pm.
Brian Larmour is the treasurer at the East Belfast Yacht Club and extended his sympathies to his fellow club member.
Mr Larmour said: "Given his age he was a bit of a legend in his own time - I don't think there was anyone else his age active on the boats.
"He hadn't been well for a time but he was a trier no matter what and he would have forced himself to keep going.
""He would have given you a hand with anything if you needed it - he'll honestly be sadly missed and our sympathies go to his family, most of whom I think are in Canada."
Brian added the other man who was on the boat with Jim, Willie Mahood, had a lucky escape from the water.
He explained: "Totally out of the blue, one of the other club boats was out and spotted a floating buoy in the water and decided to go over and collect it.
"But it wasn't a floating buoy, it was Willie Mahood.
"It just shows you how close things can be - it's all still a bit of a shock.
"This wee boat was a good seaworthy wee boat and Jim apparently only got it a few weeks back, I think that was his first time out in it."
With the help of the arriving life boats, Willie was taken to shore where he was treated before being taken to hospital.
Sadly, they were unable to save Mr Allen's life and he passed away.
An East Belfast Yacht Club Facebook post announced the news of his death yesterday and said he would be "sadly missed".
"Sad to hear of the loss of my friend Jimmy (James) Allen thinking of his family he will be missed by everyone his love was always the sea and boats god bless sailor," said Marty Pollock.
Another old friend, Jim Burrows, posted that he was devastated to hear the news.
"Shocked at the loss of an old friend and colleague, ex-commodore and long standing committee member of East Belfast Yacht Club.
"He loved being around boats and being involved in his club, we will all miss you rest in peace old friend."
One man, Ingvar Agust Thorisson, offered his hopes as well for a speedy recovery for Willie Mahood.
"Very sad news. I hope William will be ok," he wrote.
"He is one of the great guys I met when sailing from Wales to Iceland- brought his friends and fixed my boat best wishes."
Carrickfergus Sailing Club said "deepest sympathy to Mr Allen's family and friends and our thoughts are also with Mr Mahood hoping he makes a full recovery".
The PSNI have said it is in the early stages of establishing the circumstances surrounding Mr Allen's death.
"Our enquiries into what caused this boat to sink are at an early stage and the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch is assisting," a spokesperson said.
"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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