The family of the Co Wexford fisherman Pat Colfer has expressed confidence that Minister of State for the Marine Pat the Cope Gallagher will sanction the salvage of Mr Colfer's fishing boat, the Rising Sun, from the seabed off the Saltee islands.
Mr Gallagher was being briefed in Brussels last night on the outcome of yesterday's meeting on the salvage issue in Wexford. The discussion was convened with the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Safety Directorate after members of the Colfer family contacted the Minister of State last week and asked that the boat be lifted.
It is three weeks today since the 8 metre (26ft) lobster boat capsized with three crew on board off the Saltee islands. Two of the crew, Jimmy Meyler and Ian Tierney, were rescued from the water after some hours, but Mr Colfer's body has not been recovered. Mr Meyler died later in hospital. New Ross diver Billy O'Connor, died two days later on his return from a search of the wreck in 50 metres of water.
Mr O'Connor's diving buddy, Harry Hannon, had reported that there was no sign of a body on board and the wreck was searched by the Naval Service diving team. The divers recovered Mr O'Connor's body 20 metres from the vessel, but reported no sign of Mr Colfer in an area known for strong sub-sea tides.
Last night, Mr O'Connor's brother, Thomas, who attended yesterday's meeting, said it had been established that the engine room of the vessel had not been searched. This area represented 75 per cent of the vessel, and Mr Colfer's body could be trapped in there, he said.
Eamon Colfer, brother of the missing skipper, said that the three families - the Colfers, Meylers and O'Connors - were united in wanting to have the boat lifted.
Not only would salvage allow the Rising Sun to be searched thoroughly, but it would also help to establish what happened on the day of the capsizing, he said.
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board, which is conducting an inquiry into the sinking, has said that it does not require salvage, as the vessel was relatively new and there was a survivor. It also expects to examine Naval Service reports from the scene.
