Search to resume for five missing off sunken trawler

The search will resume at first light for five fishermen missing off the West Cork coast.

Their trawler, the Tit Bonhomme, sank in squally conditions as it returned to its home port of Union Hall yesterday.

Amongst the missing, are the skipper, 52-year-old father of four Michael Hayes, orignally from Waterford but who had been operating the trawler out of Union Hall in West Cork.

Also missing, 21-year-old Kevin Kershaw from Clonakility, who it is thought had gone out on the vessel with a view to considering a career in fishing.

Extensive searches yesterday failed to locate the men, and their three Egyptian crewmates, who had been living in Skibereen.

The trawler sank after striking rocks on its way back into port and only one of the crew survived.

Investigations are already underway into what caused this accident.

It is hoped that weather conditions will allow for divers to examine the wreck later today.

Lifeboats, Coastguard units and other trawlers are preparing to resume the search for the bodies of the missing men at first light.