The family of a Co Armagh man missing for almost a week say they are still “waiting desperately for news”.
It comes after a cross-border search and rescue team appealed for experienced divers to join in with efforts to find Andrew Robinson.
Andrew was last seen at around 1.10am last Saturday, November 15, in the Portadown area.
His vehicle was later found near the River Bann, prompting a large-scale search effort.
Throughout last Saturday, police officers, Coastguard teams, boat crews and drone units were involved in extensive searches along the river and surrounding areas. Despite these efforts, Andrew has not yet been located.
The family, in an update on Friday, reiterated earlier appeals for help.
“We are asking people to be alert along the River Bann when out walking,” the family shared on social media. “Could we also ask farmers with land along the River Bann to be please be vigilant and check river banks.
“If you have any information that could help
Rockcorry Divers and North Coast Search & Recovery have now made a call for more help as the operation continues.
They spent Thursday continuing to search along the River Bann in Portadown.
By close of play, the Newry and Monaghan-based team took to social media to appeal for more help as they plan to return in the hope of finding Andrew.
“Unfortunately, despite our very best efforts, we did not find Andrew and will be returning again at the weekend, to carry on where we have left off today,” they said.
“Today we were the only dive team on site and we need more experienced divers/dive teams.”
The team has thanked Community Rescue Service Belfast District, as well as the PSNI locally and Lough Neagh Search and Rescue, among others, along with “volunteers who helped in every way possible”.
They added: “Big shout out to local business, Haldane Fisher Northern Ireland for the offer of secure parking of our search vessel, Deep Explorer, whilst on site.
“Special thanks to our dive team, Nevin Cully, Dainius Lucky, Mark Patrick Hughes and Phillip Hand.”
Andrew Robinson, who is around 50 years of age, is described as being 5ft 6in in height, of medium build, with shaved grey hair.
He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, black work boots, and a dark black coat. Family members believe he may also have been wearing a green hoodie underneath.
His family have issued emotional public appeals over the past week, saying they are “desperate” for information that could help.
They said they were “absolutely heartbroken”, adding that Andrew’s two sons “just want their dad home”.
Anyone who can help Rockcorry Divers and North Coast Search & Recovery as they plan to resume their search for Andrew at the weekend is urged to get in touch.
“You can either bring your club or just get in touch with us at www.rockcorrydiving.com,” they added.
