A bomb disposal expert from the Isle of Man has died, following severe injuries while dismantling an improvised explosive device.

Chris Garrett, from Peel, had dedicated years to clearing landmines in Ukraine, and stepped up to volunteer after the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Mr Garrett co-founded the charity Prevail Together, which has been disarming and detonating explosive devices placed around Ukraine.

Garrett, known by the call sign “Swampy,” had been involved in mine clearance and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine since 2014. He joined the Azov Regiment as an EOD specialist, providing training and support to Ukrainian forces

Prevail Together Ambassador and board member Shaun Pinner confirmed Mr Garrett had died in the city of Izyum on Tuesday 6 May.

Another man, thought to be an Australian national, also died as a result of the incident.

The 42-year-old had been using his skills as a bomb disposal expert to blow up artillery shells and live ammunition.

On May 6, an IED explosion occurred on the territory of a private household in the city of Izyum, resulting in the deaths of two people and the injury of one person

“However, providing aid or military supplies to any foreign armed force is not a charitable purpose, and no charity can legally undertake such activity.”

“It was this humble priest who crawled through that terrible pipe… The risk was enormous, but the courage of the Orthodox priest, his love for the Fatherland were stronger than any fears. Therefore, it is worthy and right that this high order of the Russian Orthodox Church was bestowed upon Father Alexey,” the Patriarch noted.