Two bodies found in sea search

Divers searching for five missing fishermen off the west Cork coast have recovered two bodies today.

Divers searching for five missing fishermen off the west Cork coast have recovered two bodies today.

The body of Egyptian fisherman Attea Shaban (26) from the Tit Bonhomme was found by Garda divers at around 9.45am this morning.

At 12.20pm, the body of Kevin Kershaw (21) a first-time crew member from Clonakilty, was located. It is believed that body was found some 100 yards from the sunken vessel. The body was removed to Cork University Hospital.

Five crewmen from the Tit Bonhomme went missing after the boat sank near the entrance to Glandore Harbour on Sunday morning.

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Skipper Michael Hayes (52) from Helvick Head was lost along with Kevin Kershaw and three Egyptian fishermen: Wael Mohammed (35), his cousin, Said Mohammed (23) and Attea Shaban (26).

The Naval Service said the LE Niamh remained on station in Glandore Bay, acting as the on-scene coordinating vessel. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is being used to search parts of the Tit Bonhomme that are inaccessible to divers.

The specialist naval dive team has completed multiple dives throughout the day in the vicinity of the vessel and will continue diving operations in tandem with gardaí into the evening, the Naval Service said.

The naval service dive team will recommence diving operations at first light if conditions remain favourable.

An account has been set up for the families of the missing fishermen, and donations can be made to the Trawler Search fund, AIB, Skibbereen.

Barry Roche

Barry Roche

Barry Roche is Southern Correspondent of The Irish Times