A Peterhead fisherman who died after the trawler he was on capsized as been described as a “topper of a man”.
Ronald Mackinnon was one of eight crew members on board of the 78ft Njord, which set off from Peterhead at about noon on Saturday.
The crew found themselves in difficulty on Sunday, which caused their trawler to capsize about 100 nautical miles west of the Norwegian city Stavanger.
Local coastguards launched a rescue operation after receiving a call about an overturned boat at around 1.50pm, however, Mr Mackinnon was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family in Peterhead were too upset to talk about the tragedy today.
‘Amazing’ man who would help anyone
But tributes poured in online, with many referring to him by his nickname “Noggins”.
In a heartfelt post, stepson Christopher Bruce described him as a “true friend” to many.
On Facebook, he wrote: “Ronald Mackinnon you were an amazing step dad for the time we spent together. You wouldn’t have met a nicer person who would do anything for you. My thoughts are with all his kids, his partner and of course his family back here. RIP Nogs.”
Stephanie Steven North also sent her condolences as she paid tribute to her “great friend”.
She posted: “Absolutely devastated today by the sad news of the passing of Ronald Mackinnon, “Noggins” to all of us.
“A true friend, crew mate, brother, son, father, uncle. You were a great friend of mine and all of us Nogs – may your star shine bright like you until we meet again my friend.
“May you rest in peace, we will miss you so much my friend. Love to all family and friends at this sad time.”
Alexander Davidson wrote: “Can’t believe this, what a topper of a man.”
Investigation under way
Another three crew members were airlifted to hospital following the incident, while the rest of the fishermen were taking to shore by an offshore support vessel.
A Foreign Office spokesman said they are supporting Mr Mackinnon’s family and remain in contact with the Norwegian authorities as an investigation into the incident gets under way.
He said: “We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in Norway. We are also supporting a British man who is hospitalised in Bergen. We remain in contact with the Norwegian authorities.”