A decision has yet to be made on whether to raise the wreck of the Rising Sunlobster boad from the sea bed off the Saltee islands.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport said the salvage company responsible for the operation was "making steady progress" and hoped to be in a position to connect to the frame of the vessel at about 6pm this evening.
It is possible the eight-metre lobster boat may yet be brought to the surface today but the Department has warned that it "may not happen".
Tuskar Rock Marine has hired the Irish Lights vessel Granuaileto lift the vessel, which has been lying in 52 metres of water since it sank on November 29th last with the loss of three lives.
Two fishermen and a diver died in the tragedy. Two fishermen Ian Tierney and Jimmy Myler - were rescued.
The salvage is being undertaken for the Irish Coast Guard to check if the body of Pat Colfer, the missing skipper, is on board.
Family members of those who died are being kept informed of the operation's progress, the Department of Transport spokeswoman said.
It is understood that a prayer service may be held for the families when the boat is lifted, if they so wish.