ANTICIPATION TURNED to disappointment in Union Hall yesterday as a series of dive searches on the Tit Bonhommefailed to find a trace of five missing fishermen.
Naval Service and Garda divers are expected to return to the wreck today if weather conditions at the mouth of Glandore Harbour stay calm. It is hoped a remote search of the vessel using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) will allow for a thorough investigation of the trawler, which hit the rocks at Adam Island in stormy conditions early on Sunday.
“We have put another contingency plan in place with an ROV to conduct a search of the inside of the boat,” Gerard O’Flynn of the Irish Coast Guard said.
Calm waters and winds from the northeast allowed divers to continue their work until 7.30pm last night.
Margaret Williamson, the mother of Kevin Kershaw, maintained a vigil on the pier yesterday. She was visibly upset as she lit candles at a makeshift memorial to the missing crew of the Tit Bonhomme. A picture of missing skipper Michael Hayes (52) and crewmen Kevin Kershaw (21), Said Mohammed (23), Wael Mohammed (35) and Attea Ahmed Shaban (26) rested beside a poignant message from relatives and friends: "May God send ye all home safe."
Ms Williamson expressed concern for her children but said the family was trying to remain positive.
“We are just trying to be strong during the process of this week and what is ahead of us. It’s very very hard for everybody. I’m just trying to be positive,” she said.
A daughter of Michael Hayes arrived home from Cuba yesterday, the last of the family members to arrive in Union Hall. She was informed of the loss of her father upon her arrival back in Ireland.
Supt Tom Hayes, brother of missing skipper Michael Hayes, paid tribute to the search-and- rescue efforts, which included up to 150 people yesterday.
The search expanded to include inaccessible caves and a Civil Defence heights specialist crew of six conducted the first abseiling mission down a 50ft drop.
The 70ft deep cavern is located between Kilfinnan Castle and Prison Cove.
“It can’t be seen from the sea but a lot of debris had collected there, but most of that was gone this morning after a change in the weather overnight,” volunteer Denis O’Sullivan said.
Dean Chris Peters prayed for comfort and strength for the families during a service on the pier at dusk yesterday. He said the day had been emotional for all involved, with sadness, grief, pain, frustration and weariness for the families.
In a gesture of comfort, relatives who previously lost family members at sea arrived at the pier to offer their support. They travelled from all over the country, Fr Pierce Cormack said.
“They came to offer their advice and comfort and to share their experience.
“They brought a message with emphasis that this will be a long journey and not to give up. These families have experienced similar loss.
“The message is not to give up, to keep hope and to take care of themselves during this difficult time,” he said.
Mohammed Youssef, whose best friend is among the missing, said his mood was better yesterday, that he hoped his friend would be recovered.
“We just want them back now, today was a big day for us,” he said.
An account has been set up for the families of the missing fishermen, donations can be made to the Trawler Search fund, AIB, Skibbereen.