Searchers call off operation to find missing trawlermen for today

The search for five fishermen missing off the West Cork coast has been called off for the night.

Only one crew member from the Tit Bonhomme survived after the trawler sank in heavy seas off Union Hall.

Throughout the day, the Coastguard and RNLI were joined by other local fishing vessels in the search for the five men.

Wreckage from the Tit Bonhomme has been drifting ashore in Union Hall, but so far, none of the victims of this tragedy have been found.

The alarm was raised by the vessel at around 6am, as it foundered close to the entrance to the harbour.

The sole survivor, an Egyptian fisherman, was winched the safety by helicopter, and is said to be in a stable condition in hospital.

His crewmates - the Irish skipper, three other Egyptians and a 21-year-old Irishman - are still missing.

Bad weather hampered the search throughout the day, but it is hoped that divers will be able to examine the wreck if conditions improve tomorrow.