An Irish household is because of journey greater than 15,000km to restart the seek for the physique of their brother who’s believed to have drowned at a Western Australian seaside.
Damien Lucey, 42, was swimming at Honeycombs Seashore in Busselton, within the state’s Margaret River area, on January 8 when he reportedly bumped into hassle.
His pal mentioned he was a daily at that seaside.
In a put up shared to social media on Monday, his sister Eleanor Lucey – who lives in Cork with the remainder of Damien’s household – mentioned her brother was heard calling for assist earlier than he drowned.
“Two individuals heard Damo name out for assist however sadly the water took our humorous, witty brother underneath,” she mentioned within the Fb put up.
“We’re nonetheless ready for the decision to say that he has been discovered.”
An in depth search involving water police, a rescue helicopter, volunteer marine rescue groups, surf lifesavers and ambulance crews passed off within the days that adopted his loss of life.
Nevertheless, the search was referred to as off just a few days in the past with police declaring he doubtless drowned within the ocean.
Candice Perkins, a pal of Mr Lucey, shared that the native Irishman’s household is planning to make the 15,000km journey from Cork to Busselton to proceed the seek for his physique on their very own.
“Everybody that knew Damien is heartbroken by this tragic loss and I do know all people who knew him will be a part of within the want to wish to help his household at this troublesome time,” she mentioned in a put up to GoFundMe on Tuesday.
“My hope is that we will help them in returning to Perth to assist within the seek for Damien, and to carry him dwelling!”
Already the fundraiser has raised nearly 35,000 euros ($58,000 AUD) to cowl return flights from Cork to Perth, lodging in Perth throughout the continued search and authorized bills to organise Damien’s affairs.
The Lucey household have acquired an outpouring of help from Damien’s family members in Australia, the place he spent the final decade of his life.
“We wish to say that we are going to be eternally grateful for Damo’s Aussie household for what they’re doing for us,” his sister mentioned on Tuesday.
“For all of the guests, callers, we’re actually amazed what number of lives Damo infectious chortle actually touched.”
