Kevin dreamed of a life at sea

YOUNG Kevin Kershaw (above) dreamed of a life at sea, his grief-stricken family revealed yesterday.

So he was delighted when he managed to secure a crewing slot on the Tit Bonhomme, which set sail from Union Hall on Friday.

He was so excited about his first job on board a trawler that he texted his aunt, with whom he had lived in Clonakilty for the last seven years, to tell her about the trip.

She texted back, urging him to be careful. He replied saying he would be fine. Tragically, it was to be their last communication.

Kevin is one of five crewmen who are missing, feared drowned, after their boat struck Adam’s Island at the mouth of Glandore harbour early yesterday.

Members of Kevin’s extended family huddled under tarpaulin on the rain-soaked pier in Union Hall yesterday as the search for his body continued.

His parents, who live in Dublin, and his younger brother Kieran were due to arrive in Union Hall last night.

One of his cousins, who asked not to be named, said Kevin was doing a FÁS course but was really interested in becoming a fisherman.

“That’s why he was just so looking forward to this trip out,” she said. “We’re just all devastated,”

Kevin celebrated his 21st birthday in Clonakilty just over a month ago.