By Diarmuid Pepper
An inquiry will be launched into the death of a worker at Warrenpoint Harbour on Thursday afternoon.
The victim has been named locally as Kevin McGeough, a man in his 50s who comes from Rostrevor.
In the aftermath of the incident, he has been described as “an absolute gentleman”.
The incident occurred at around 2.30pm on Thursday afternoon in what is the second biggest port in Northern Ireland.
While the exact circumstances of his death have not yet been released, it is understood Mr McGeough had been crushed by a piece of machinery.
Around 200 people work in the port and the Chief Executive of Warrenpoint Port, Ms Clare McGuinness, confirmed that The PSNI and Health and Safety Executive were immediately informed of the incident.
She further added: “We are co-operating with them and all relevant authorities to enable a full investigation to take place.”
Independent councillor Jarlath Tinnelly said that the victim was “a hard-working man and a highly regarded member of a well-known Rostrevor family who are undoubtedly devastated”.
Fellow Independent councillor Mark Gibbons echoed these sentiments, saying that Mr McGeough was “a devoted family man”.
“I will remember him as a man who always had a smile on his face, always had the time to talk to you and have a bit of craic,” said Gibbons who knew Mr McGeough through the building supplies company he works for.
SLDP councillor Karen McKevitt also paid homage to Mr McGeough and said that the close-knit community would “wrap its arms” around the victim’s family in their time of need.
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard also tweeted: “Very sad to hear of the fatality in Warrenpoint Harbour today – thoughts with family & friends at this time.”
A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that they received a call at 2.32pm on Thursday in relation to the incident.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive added: “The Health and Safety Executive is aware of the incident at Warrenpoint Port and are making enquiries.”