Victims' families welcome decision to raise sunken boats

The families of the fishermen who died in the Pere Charles and Maggie B tragedies off the south-east coast have welcomed the Government's decision to raise the two vessels.

Five crewmen died when the Pere Charles sank off Hook Head in January, while another two died when the Maggie B went down in the same area in March 2006.

Their bodies have never been found and their families believe some may still be on board the vessels.

Pat Hennessy, whose brother Tom was skipper of the Pere Charles, has said he hopes the decision will bring some closure to the families, whether or not any bodies are found.