Condolences to the family of Brian Black after his car rolled into the harbour in Strangford earlier today.
Just before lunchtime today, Brian Black, a former UTV presenter was involved in a dramatic incident when his car plunged into Strangford Harbour.
The alarm was raised by local people who jumped into the cold water of Strangford Lough and pulled him from the car. However, Brian Black passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital later on in the day.
Emergency services from the RNLI, local Coastguard, the NI Fire and Rescue Service including the NI Air Ambulance helicopter were on the scene. And a rescue helicopter was also despatched from Scotland which checked the area of Strangford Lough to ensure there was no-one else in the car or in the water.
Brian Black who was in his seventies was a household name for over 20 years, a very popular presenter on UTV, who concentrated on environmental issues. He made trips to the North Pole to highlight the issue of climate change, and he recently made the programme of Mount Stewart estate, ‘The Big House Reborn.’
His former colleagues at UTV including Gerry Kelly, Chris Hagan, Ken Reid, Michael Wilson, and Jamie Delargy, have expressed their shock and sadness at his death and have expressed their commiserations to his family at this very sad time.
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has extended condolences to the family of former UTV presenter Brian Black who passed away after his car plunged into the water at Strangford Harbour.
The South Down MLA said: “The news of this accident has sent shockwaves throughout the community.
“It has left people reeling and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at this time especially the family and friends of Brian Black.
“I would like to commend those who entered the water including the Portaferry RNLI and Portaferry Coastguard to help recover Brian from the water.”
