FINE GAEL has called on Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea to "come clean" on the future of the sail training ship Asgard IIwhich sank off France over three months ago.
"If the Minister has already decided to leave the Asgard IIat the bottom of the ocean, he should say so," said Fine Gael defence spokesman Jimmy Deenihan.
Former minister for defence Bobby Molloy, who was involved in financing the ship's construction, has also expressed concern about the fate of the vessel.
Mr O'Dea has confirmed that a second underwater survey is to be conducted before a final decision is taken on salvage. However, the survey company is not available before January 15th.
An initial underwater survey of the hull in 80 metres of water indicated that the wooden brigantine was sitting upright and in relatively good condition.
The survey revealed a significant fracture in the planking which could have caused the sinking. It is understood that the insurers were happy enough with the first survey by remotely operated vehicle to support a salvage, which could cost less than €2 million.
However, several suitable weather windows have passed since then, according to marine experts, who say that the salvage operation will be more difficult and expensive the longer the vessel remains underwater.
A Department of Defence spokesman said experts had recommended a spring salvage.
