The southeast coastal community has set up a trust fund for the three families bereaved in the Rising Sun lobster boat sinking off the Saltee Islands over three weeks ago.
The fund has been established by local fishing skippers, crew, divers and community representatives extending from New Ross to Kilmore Quay to Slade, Co Wexford.
It aims to assist the wives and children of missing skipper Pat Colfer, of Slade, Co Wexford, crewman Jimmy Meyler, of Ballyhack, and New Ross diver Billy O'Connor.
After the 7.9-metre lobster boat capsized and subsequently sank about six miles off the southeast coast on November 29th, Mr Meyler was rescued with colleague Ian Tierney but died later in hospital.
Two days later, the sinking claimed a third life when experienced diver Billy O'Connor died less than eight metres from the surface. He was returning from an inspection of the boat with diving buddy Harry Hannon, while the Naval Service was preparing to bring specialised equipment.
Mr O'Connor's body was recovered over a week ago about 20 metres from the vessel by Naval Service divers, but there has been no sign of Mr Colfer in an area of strong underwater currents.
Earlier this week, Minister of State Pat "the Cope" Gallagher agreed to a request from the three families to salvage the vessel, which is lying in just over 50 metres of water.
A meeting in Kilmore Quay this week established a committee to raise funds for the three families, with members including Irish Fishermen's Organisation chairman Joe Maddock and Irish South and East Fishermen's Organisation chief executive Michael Walsh. The fund account is at Allied Irish Banks, North Main Street, Wexford. The sort code is 93 33 41 and the account number is 12795126. Cheques, which can be lodged at any bank or post office, should can be made payable to the Rising Sun Tragedy Fund.
