SEARCHES are continuing around the River Foyle for two missing Derry men.
The searches for Mark Gallagher and Niall McLaughlin are being co-ordinated by Foyle Search and Rescue.
Both are feared to have entered the icy cold waters of the River Foyle.
Police have issued advice for people wanting to search for the two missing men.
PSNI Foyle say on its Facebook page: “The family of missing person NIALL McLAUGHLIN appreciate the offers and requests for help in searching for him.
“However they have requested that all Search efforts are coordinated through Police and Foyle Search & Rescue #ThanksForTheSupport”
In a statement on its Facebook page, Foyle Search and Rescue said:
“We are aware of the support being offered from our local community to both of the Families concerned during the ongoing searches for Mark & Niall.
“Your own personal safety must take priority at all times. We ask that all persons searching adhere to the following safety guidelines:
1. Always stay in a group & let someone know the area you are searching and notify them when you complete your search.
2. Always carry a mobile phone.
3. Be careful along the river’s edge & DO NOT enter the Glar/mud, you may become stuck and need rescued.
4. DO NOT wade or enter the water.
5. DO NOT cross over any railings riverside under any circumstances.
6. DO NOT cross over onto or walk along Rail Tracks.
7. In the event of finding any items of clothing etc: DO NOT TOUCH or remove. Please contact the PSNI on 101 who will in turn alert Foyle Search & Rescue 02871313800.
8. Check the tidal tables and weather forecast prior to commencing any search.
9. Persons searching should wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
10. It is reccomended that persons searching near the waters edge wear a Life Jacket & that all other searchers wear high-vis clothing to enable boat crew to observe them on the river banks.
11. People who are searching are reminded that river banks are extremely hazardous especially after dark.
12. Please when searching along railings or on any of the Bridges DO NOT lean over the railings as CCTV operators can not differentiate between a genuine searcher or a person who may be in need of help requiring immediate activation of the emergency services.
