Missing man was former resident of Ballyclare

Hopes and prayers surrounded the family of Graeme Nixon this week as the search operation to find the 29-year-old continued in Larne Lough.

The father-of-two - who was due to be married in just a few weeks’ time - went missing while he and a friend were picking whelks in the Mill Bay area on Saturday. Since then, an extensive search operation has been carried out, involving local RNLI volunteers and PSNI diving crews, as well as RAF and police helicopters.

The Newtownabbey Times understands that Mr Nixon is a former pupil of Ballyclare Primary School, and he lived with his family in Clare Heights at the time.

Friends and family of Mr Nixon also have been combing the shoreline, beginning in the early hours and staying until dark in the hope of finding a trace of their loved one.

Mayor of Larne, Councillor Bobby McKee described the accident as “devastating”.

“There are so many people who want to do something, but yet they feel totally helpless in a situation like this,” he said.

Mr McKee described Mr Nixon as a “very bubbly young fella” and that he knew the prayers of many people are with the missing man’s friends and family.

“I hope they can get some comfort in the middle of this dreadful situation,” he said.

Family friends have been posting their messages of shock and disbelief on the facebook internet site, along with support for Mr Nixon’s family circle.

“No words can imagine what you’re going through, but stay strong. Hope today is going to bring Graeme back to you,” wrote one well-wisher.

Others pledged to take part in the search, even though as days went by, hopes for finding Mr Nixon alive began to fade.

His brother Brian appealed for anyone who had any information to come forward, even if might appear insignificant. On Monday afternoon, Mr Nixon’s friend who was able to swim ashore after the accident, was brought along to give assistance.

At the time of going to press, a spokesperson for the PSNI described the search as “ongoing”.

A spokesman for RNLI has thanked all those who have helped by providing food and water to the search crews.