Coming days 'critical' in search

THE family of missing Mayoman David Gavin has said they are aware and deeply grateful for the wave of support shown them in Ireland and elsewhere.

Speaking today (Monday) through the chief executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes, Michael and Angela Gavin, parents of David, who is missing, presumed drowned, in Canada, said that the huge support is helpful and appreciated.

Mr. Hynes told a meeting of Mayo County Council this afternoon that although the official search for 26-year-old David was stood down after four days there is an extensive search which is continuing.

“The days between (July) 9 and (July) 14 seem to be quite critical,” Mr. Hynes stated.

David, a business analyst based in Vancouver, has been missing since the afternoon of Friday, June 30, when he dived into Beaver River which feeds Kinbasket Lake, a reservoir, in British Columbia.

His parents and other family members have been in Canada since the early days of July maintaining a vigil as the search continues.

A massive fundraising effort is continuing on both sides of the Atlantic. Monies raised so far have topped $256,000 (€224,000).

In recent days the fundraising target has been revised upwards to $350,000 (€307,000).

David's former GAA club, Breaffy, is liasing closely with ISSC Vancouver (his adopted club) in the fundraising effort.

Both of David's parents are employees of Mayo County Council. A minute's silence was observed by members and officials of the authority at today's council meeting.

Mr. Hynes told the meeting that resources are not an issue in the search and that the fund is attracting considerable support.

Mayo County Council has now established its own fund to raise monies for the ongoing search.