President expresses sadness at 'terrible toll' on communities

President Mary McAleese yesterday expressed her sadness at the "terrible toll the weather has visited upon our seafaring communities" following the sinking of two fishing trawlers in recent days.

The Père Charlessank off the Waterford/Wexford coast on Wednesday night. Its crew of five men are still missing. The Kinsale-based trawler Honeydew IIsank off the Waterford coast the next morning. Two of the four-man crew were rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter near Mine Head on Thursday night, but the two other men remain missing.

Mrs McAleese yesterday sympathised with the families of the missing fishermen. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those families still awaiting news of those still missing."

She also commended the work of the rescue services who had rescued two crewmen and were continuing to search for others despite the hazardous weather conditions. "The work of our rescue services, who are clearly making every effort in appalling weather conditions, was critical in ensuring the survival of these men."