HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to a “hero” and “magnificent gentleman” who tragically died after a horrific boat accident.
The 58-year-old man, named locally as Eoghann Maclachlan, passed away after falling overboard from a fishing vessel this week.
Emergency services raced to Belnahua, which is 20 miles south of Oban, on Wednesday afternoon.
Crews searched the water for Eoghann after the alarm was raised at around 3pm.
His body was then recorded a short time later.
The much-loved grandad was the skipper of the Nista and Vigilant creel boats and he worked with his son Lorne.
Devastated friends and family have paid tribute on social media after learning of his death.
His sister hailed Eoghann as being her “hero and dearest friend” in the emotional post.
She said: “I can’t believe that I am sharing this post, it all seems so unreal.
“Eoghann wasn’t just my big brother. He was my hero, my guide, and my dearest friend.
“He had the gift of accepting people just as they were – there was no bad side to him, and he truly was the best of us all – forever with us in the song of the sea”.
Eoghann’s brother-in-law added: “There are no words to describe the pain we’re feeling…..
“My Brother-in-Law, Eoghann, was the greatest man I’ve ever known, and we are all absolutely heartbroken”.
And his niece wrote: “Uncle Eoghann you are so loved always and forever”.
The whole community flocked to share their condolences after hearing the tragic news.
One person posted: “Deeply saddened by the news. Eoghann was a great family man, great fun and a true gentleman. My deepest condolences to all the family. Heartbreaking.”
Another added: “Thinking of you all during this very difficult time lorne. He was truly a magnificent gentleman.”
Someone else said: “I’ve no words. He was such a great friend and will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences to all the family.”
And a fourth wrote: “Heartbreaking for all his family and friends. A huge loss to the island. Eoghann had time for everyone and will be sorely missed.
“Heartfelt condolences to the whole MacLachlan clan.”
While a fifth shared: “Sorry for your loss, he was an absolute legend on the shore and the sea. Thoughts are with you all”.
A Police Scotland spokesperson told the Daily Record: “Around 5.15pm on Wednesday, 13 December, we were made aware of a boat running aground in the Belnahua area.
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“The Coastguard attended and the body of a 58-year-old man was recovered. His next of kin are aware.
“The death is being treated as unexplained but there are not believed to be suspicious circumstances. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”
