Bahrain: An Irish construction worker based in Bahrain was among those who died when the dinner-cruise boat capsized on Thursday night.
Derek Cunningham (52), originally from Drogheda, Co Louth, was working with Dublin-based firm Mercury Engineering. Mr Cunningham's Thai-born wife, Orathai, also died in the accident. Their two daughters, aged 11 and seven, are being cared for by friends in Bahrain.
Mercury Engineering was sub-contracted to carry out the mechanical and electrical work on the two towers of the World Trade Centre.
Mr Cunningham, who was the electrical construction manager on the trade centre project, had been living in Bahrain since last May.
Mr Cunningham had a son, Dominic, by a previous marriage, who was recently hired by Mercury Engineering. He was on his way to Bahrain to join his father when the tragedy occurred. He was stopped at Dublin airport and given the news.
Gerard Morrissey, finance director of Mercury Engineering, said Mr Cunningham was a well-liked and respected member of staff. "Our thoughts are with all of his family at this time."
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern expressed his sympathy with the family.
He said the indications were that Mr Cunningham was the sole Irish victim.
