Mission to raise sunken trawlers underway

Attempts will be made today to raise two trawlers which sank off the south east coast, claming the lives of seven fishermen.

The €1m mission to reach the Pere Charles and the Maggie B was due to begin at first light off the coast of Waterford.

It is being led by Dublin-based firm 'Irish Diving Contractors', who estimate it will take about two weeks.

They are planning to raise the wrecks of the two trawlers, in hope it may provide clues as to how they both sank.

The first tragedy happened in March of last year, when the Maggie B got into difficulty off the coast of Wexford, claiming the lives of its skipper and a Polish crew member.

Another Polish fisherman was rescued from the sea shortly afterwards.

Last January, the Pere Charles sank near Dunmore East, claiming the lives of all five fishermen on board.