Missing Polish man a credit to his community

A church service for Jaroslaw Andrykiewicz from Moy, was held in St Patrick’s Church in Killyman Road, Dungannon, last Friday evening.

The 38-year-old yesterday remains unaccounted for after the incident at the rocks at Ramore Head.

Police are still treating it as a missing person’s case.

Mr Andrykiewicz’s family have visited the scene ar Ramore Head and laid flowers.

Mr Andrykiewicz fhas worrked for Gilfresh Foods for about four years, initially as a production line operative before working his way up.

He was appointed to the post of line leader, with authority over around 20 staff.

Owner William Gilpin described him as “an outstanding employee”.

“He’s a credit to the Polish community,” said Mr Gilpin.

A minister, as well as family members, had visited the business premises in Loughgall last week, he said.

He understands that Mr Andrykiewicz had been fishing on the rocks at the time of the incident and suggested that a “freak wave” had struck.

According to honorary Polish consul Jerome Mullen, he was divorced and had a 15-year-old daughter in Poland, whom he was supporting by sending money back home.

Mr Mullen, from Warrenpoint, said he believes there is no possibility of him being recovered alive.

He has met with the man’s mother and brother, who travelled over from northern Poland, and with his friends.

He said accounts paint him as “a very, very positive, happy person with a big smile on his face,” adding: “Fishing and football were his two passions.”

The search for Mr Andrykiewicz is to resume as soon as possible however police are reminding the public not to attempt to carry out any independent searches as there is a very real risk to life for the untrained and inexperienced particularly given the severe weather conditions on the coast..