Search continues for missing boy

The search will continue today for the body of Anthony Lavelle (14), the teenager drowned off north Mayo when his father's boat…

The search will continue today for the body of Anthony Lavelle (14), the teenager drowned off north Mayo when his father's boat sank en route to the Inishkea islands.

The survivor, Mr Tony Lavelle, assisted after being discharged from Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar.

Divers from the Naval Service and the Granuaile and Belmullet clubs in Mayo focused on the sea area where Mr Lavelle was rescued, more than a mile from the wreckage of the vessel, Sea Swallow.

The search was co-ordinated on scene by the Naval Service patrol ship, Ciara. Coast Guard units from Ballyglass, Killala and Achill, lifeboats from Ballyglass and Achill and local vessels scanned the sea and coastline, concentrating on a foreshore area from Eagle Island to Annagh Head.

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The 35ft boat, which was carrying sheep to Inishkea North for grazing, is lying in 30 feet of water off Duffer rock, about halfway between Frenchport and the island.

Lieut Cdr Martin McGrath of the Ciara said a swell precluded further dives on the vessel early yesterday. The vessel was checked when it was first located on Friday afternoon.

The bodies of up to 15 sheep were washed ashore over the weekend, and Mayo County Council was making arrangements to have them removed.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times