Three RNLI Lifeboats involved in search for missing fishermen off Hook Head
Dunmore East RNLI, Kilmore Quay RNLI and Fethard RNLI lifeboat crew were involved in a search for two fishermen after a trawler sank seven miles South of Hook Head yesterday (Saturday 4 January).
One man was subsequently recovered by the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 but was sadly pronounced deceased later. The search is expected to resume first thing tomorrow for the remaining missing man.
The alarm was raised just after 10.30 pm yesterday (Saturday 4 January) after an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) alert was activated. Dunmore East RNLI and Kilmore RNLI lifeboats responded and arrived on scene a short time later.
One of the fishermen was recovered from the sea by a Coast Guard helicopter and sadly confirmed deceased by Gardaí a short time later. The search for the other missing fisherman continued throughout the night.
At first light the next morning Fethard RNLI joined the search. As the search progressed through the day an Irish Naval vessel and over 20 local trawlers joined the search.
Tony Kelly, Dunmore East RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘It was a long night for all involved in the search, our volunteers endured difficult conditions during the night and all day today. Our hearts go out to the families of the two fishermen at this sad time.'
At 4 pm this afternoon (Sunday 5, January) the search was stood down as light was fading and an imminent gale warning had been forecast. The search will resume at first light tomorrow morning.
Ends
Notes to editors
Photo credit – Dunmore East RNLI
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