THE tragic circumstances in which two of Aberdeen District Council's
most senior officials died during a twinning visit to Gomel in the
former Soviet Union were described yesterday by a councillor who had
accompanied them.
Councillor Margaret Smith, who has just returned from Gomel, told how
the accident happened at the end of a rest day during which they had
enjoyed a cruise and a barbecue was being prepared by their hosts.
She was part of a team looking at ways of helping Gomel, which is in
the area worst affected by the Chernobyl disaster, with its
environmental problems.
Also in the team were the two who died, Ms Ann Hughes, the council's
deputy chief executive, and Mr Iain McDonald, the principal
environmental health officer, who became a father for the second time
five weeks ago.
Communication difficulties have led to some confusion and Councillor
Smith said she wanted to clarify that this was nothing other than a
tragic accident.
She said: ''We were on the river, the scenery was beautiful, the sands
were lengthy. There were thousands of people out and the temperature was
80[DEG]F.
''The accident happened at around 8.30pm, when it was still light.
''The boat was at a small beach for a barbecue which the Gomel people,
after they had been swimming, started to prepare.
''At the end of a long, hot day it was beginning to get cool and we
were just sitting on the beach talking.
''Ann went in on her own and was swimming within 10-15 yards of the
beach. Ian said he was chilly and was reminded his clothes were on the
boat.
''He got up, went into the water and was swimming towards the boat. He
swam slightly towards Ann and seemed to speak to her and she started to
swim towards the boat. They converged about 5-10 yards away and that is
the last time I saw them.''
She added that five minutes later the boat engines started but it was
assumed the pair were on board.
It was not until the food was ready that it was discovered they were
missing.
Mrs Smith said they carried out a search and the police were
contacted.
They returned to their hotel and sat up all night hoping for a call.
However, it became clear they had drowned and on Tuesday morning Ms
Hughes' body was discovered.
Mr McDonald's body has now also been discovered and identified. It is
believed they died after being dragged under the cruiser.
Mrs Smith said a major investigation was being carried out by the
Gomel authorities.
''Their hosts were devastated and the whole of Gomel is mourning,''
she said. ''The police and officials of the city council and city
executive have been very sympathetic and helpful.''
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