The search for the missing fisherman from the Rising Sun continued at first light this morning off the Wexford coast. The Irish Coast Guard Helicopter based at Waterford, Lifeboats from Rosslare, Kilmore Quay and Fethard along with several local fishing vessels combed a wide area in an effort to locate either the missing fisherman or the vessel.
The naval vessel L.E. Orla remains as On Scene Co-ordinator. A shoreline search also took place involving Coast Guard Units from Kilmore Quay, Fethard, Carnsore Point and Rosslare.
At approx 10.00 a.m. the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter sighted an oil slick with oil bubbling to the surface. This position was marked with a buoy, for investigation by naval divers. The position is approx 3 miles Southeast of the Great Saltee Island.
The Irish Coast Guard Helicopter then routed to Cork airport to pick up 3 naval divers with Side Scan Sonar equipment, designed to locate sunken vessels. The divers were airlifted to Kilmore Quay, where they were brought to the position marked by the Kilmore Quay Lifeboat. It is hoped that the Divers will be able to confirm that this is the position of the Rising Sun.
The search for the missing person will continue this afternoon with the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, Fethard Lifeboat and several local fishing vessels all searching the area. The search will continue until nightfall and will resume again at first light tomorrow morning if there is no result.
The Incident is being Co-ordinated by the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Co-ordiantion Centre (MRCC) in Dublin
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