The harbour town of Kinsale was in deep shock last night as news filtered through of a second sea tragedy.
The Honeydew II left from the Cork town on Wednesday at lunchtime for the fishing grounds off the Cork/Waterford coast. However, radio contact was lost with the craft in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The alarm was raised by Mary Bohan, wife of the vessel's captain, Ger Bohan, yesterday evening when she could not make contact with the craft.
On board the vessel was Mr Bohan (39) and a crew of two Lithuanians and a Polish national. The captain has 20 years' experience at sea. He is married with three children and is a much respected local skipper.
Immediately a huge search operation swung into action off Mine Head on the Cork/Waterford border.
The skipper reported at 12.30am yesterday that he was five miles off the coast sheltering from the winds and high seas. He said that at first light he would make for the coast off Dunmore East to help search for the Père Charles, which sank on Wednesday night just 13 miles from the Honey Dew's location.
From early last night crews of Kinsale fishing vessels gathered on the quayside, hoping to help the search.
Worried people whispered their concerns to each other and gathered in huddled groups in the cold late night.
At one stage almost 20 people gathered on the quay wall, desperately praying for the lost sailors.
Shortly after 8pm news filtered through - two men had been located.
But there was no fanfare - no shouts for joy - because two men were still missing.