"After careful consideration on the matter and a series of discussions with the relatives of the deceased men in Wexford and my officials, I have decided to ask the Irish Coast Guard to immediately commence planning for the raising of the Rising Sun. I hope the operation can be completed as soon as possible having regard to the deep water location of the vessel and the requirements for health and safety standards.
This is not a decision I have taken lightly, however there were a number of compelling arguments put forward which have swayed my thinking on the matter. Coming from a coastal community I know only too well the heartache and grief such tragedies can cause to families and loved ones. I witnessed the extent of this feeling myself two weeks ago when I visited the families in Wexford. I understand that the particular circumstances of this case are unusual and I recognise the families desire for some form of closure to the matter.
The EPIRB emergency system onboard the vessel, if it was triggered, should have sent a signal immediately to the emergency services and this would have assisted the Coastguard in determining the exact location of the vessel and time of the incident. As no signal was received the coastguard and local volunteers had to search an extremely large sea area before the two of the three crew members on board were found. I look forward to receiving the report of Marine Casualty Investigation Board into the cause of the tragedy. Anything that may possibly prevent a repeat of this awful tragedy is in my view a worthwhile task.
I wish to pay tribute to the tremendous work undertaken by the Coastguard and the Navy over the course of the incident as it unfolded. Their job is a difficult one at the best of times and I am justifiably proud at the dedication and effort they devoted over the past weeks. I would also like to pay tribute to the local volunteers whose support during the search was of invaluable assistance to the rescue effort and I hope they will continue to support our search and rescue operations."
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