Search for man continues after fishing accident

The search for a man who is feared to have perished in a tragic fishing accident five days ago is continuing today after being hampered by poor weather conditions.

David Scully, a single man in his 30s from Fair Street in Mallow, Co Cork, has not been seen since failing to return home from a fishing trip on the River Blackwater last Wednesday. He had been fishing at an area known as the coursing fields at Ballyellis.

His family contacted gardaí when he did not return home, with officers later locating his mobile phone and fishing bag near where he disappeared.

While Mallow Search and Rescue Unit and navy divers have been searching the water since Thursday, garda superintendent Pat McCarthy said it is believed the incident “may be a tragic accident”.

“We suspect he may have fallen into the river after wading too far out,” he said.

Chairman of Mallow Search and Rescue, John Wolfe, said current weather conditions have made it a difficult search.

“It’s a tough river. There has been flooding and conditions have been bad,” he said.

Yesterday an appeal was issued for volunteers to take part in a riverbank search for the man.

Anybody who wishes to take part in the land search should go to the Mallow Search and Rescue Centre, which is located beside the town bridge.

* Information can also be provided to Mallow Garda Station on 022-21105.