Roses placed in sea in memory of lives lost

The survivor of the sinking of the Tit Bonhomme and a daughter of missing skipper Michael Hayes lay five bouquets of roses in the water at Union Hall pier last night, one for each life lost.

A poignant village ceremony was marked by prayers in English, Irish and Arabic as relatives of those still missing stood shoulder to shoulder with rescue crews, gardaí, support workers and volunteers. Up to 150 people gathered to acknowledge the sinking of the 60ft trawler, seven days previously.

Michael Hayes’s sister Ann, a member of a Dungarvan based religious order, said her brother had particular affection for the Serenity Prayer, which she recited as the assembled crowd bowed their heads in respect.

“Michael always carried this prayer with him,” she said.

“Tonight we pray for Michael and Said, for peace and serenity for them, and for the courage and peace and serenity we need to help us through these times,” she said.

Fr Pierce Cormac lead prayers for hope in the recovery mission.

“On this, the eighth day of the search, we reach out to each other as we have done everyday. We pray to keep hope and drive in our hearts and to help the families through their grief,” he said.

The lyrics of Phil Coulter’s Home from the Sea drew tears on the pier, sung by volunteer worker Yvonne Deasy, daughter of retired fisherman Bill Deasy.

Mr Deasy recited the Fisherman’s Prayer before the Irish and Egyptian communities turned to face east together as mournful prayers were offered to Allah.

Bouquets of roses were then passed to survivor Abdo Mohamad, a brother of Wael Mohamad, whose body was recovered yesterday and to Dearbhail Hayes, a daughter of the missing skipper. The flowers were then placed in the waters in a tribute to those who lost their lives in a tragedy the tiny fishing village will never forget.

The search continues today.