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Fishermen deaths a 'huge hole' in family

Four fishermen believed to have drowned in waters off Perth have left "huge holes" in their family that could never be filled.

The family of four men believed to have drowned during a fishing trip in waters off Perth say the deaths have left "huge holes" that could never be filled.

The bodies of Jacob Pham, 24, and Justin O'Neill, 32, were found west of Garden Island on Friday afternoon, but boat owner Uock Pham, 50 and his brother Tuan Pham, aged in his 40s, are still missing.

Concerned family had raised the alarm on Thursday evening after the men failed to return to Woodman Point from a trip to Rottnest Island.

Police are still searching for the missing men and the 5.5-metre boat named Yeah Buoy.

Mr O'Neill has been described as a much loved partner to Ashleigh Hough and father to William, 10, Jackson, eight, and three-year-old Zach.

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Jacob Pham was described as "the sweetest young man" who left behind his "adoring mother" Andrea Henning and two sisters, Ms Hough and Jirody Pham.

"Both losses leave huge holes in our family which can never be filled," the family said.

"We are still holding onto hope for finding Jacob and Jiordy's father and Andrea's husband, Uock, along with his brother Tuan whose partner and young sons are missing him madly."

A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral costs and help the family, especially Ms Hough who is now "raising three children by herself and has lost the breadwinner of her family".

More than $19,000 has been raised so far.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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