Trawler survivor’s tribute to lost crew

THE sole survivor of last month’s devastating trawler sinking has spoken out for the first time, thanking supporters, vowing to move on from the tragedy and paying tribute to his “brothers” lost at sea.

Cairns man Ruben McDornan, 32, survived a night treading water off the coast of Central Queensland but his six crewmates on the FV Dianne are believed to have perished after the vessel flipped and sank in rough conditions.

In an emotional Facebook post, Mr McDornan said his “heart has been broken” and expressed his condolences to the families of the other men who he now considers family.

“Your loss is unimaginable and you are all always in my thoughts,” he said. “My brothers have made me the man I am today and are making me the man I am tomorrow.

“My heart might be broken at this time but it is big enough to hold all my brothers forever and always.”

Mr McDornan and wife Sammy were among hundreds who attended a fundraising event held at the Bungalow Hotel on Saturday night to raise funds for the men’s families. Co-organiser Rachel Benton said they likely raised more than $10,000 through a silent auction and raffles, with a trivia night also to be held at the Salt House on November 21.

“We just want to thank everyone for their generosity, especially the local community; it’s been absolutely mind blowing,” she said.