Families wait as dive teams prepare to resume search

Navy and Garda dive teams are assessing conditions in Union Hall harbour in West Cork, ahead of making a dive on the wreck of the Tit Bonhomme.

The trawler sank yesterday morning on its way back to its home port and five of its crew are still missing.

The sea and shoreline search resumed at first light as volunteers from across West Cork were joined by others from Waterford, from where the skipper of the Tit Bonhomme Michael Hayes hailed.

The search is concentrating along the shore and to the west of Union Hall harbour.

Weather conditions have improved considerably, but it is still not clear when divers will be able to access the wreck, which is lying in around 12 metres of water.

The shoreline search is being co-ordinated by the Coastguard, while the LE Niamh is co-ordinating the trawlers and local vessels that are searching the harbour.

All the while, the families of the missing men wait together in Union Hall for news.