Shore and Sea Search:
A shore and sea search continued today for the bodies of the missing fisherman Patrick Colfer and local diver Billy O’Connor off the Wexford Coast. The shore search comprised of local coast units from Carnsore Point to Dunmore East. The sea search comprised the LE Emer, Kilmore Quay Lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter from Waterford.
Diving Operations:
Diving operations conducted by the Naval Service diving team aboard the MV Granuaile commenced at midday. A Naval Service search and recovery team conduced a seabed search to the east of the wreck – “Rising Sun”. Visibility for searching was extremely poor with visibility reduced to 3ft or less. Due to deteriorating surface conditions diving operations were suspended at 15:00hrs.
General:
LE Ciara transported a 1 tonne Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) winch and umbilical from the Naval Base, Cork to the dive site. This new ROV is currently undergoing testing and if it proves successful, searching will continue through the night using the ROV.
Ends