Father: Search for son missing from trawler 'very tough'

The father of one of the missing crewmen from sunken trawler the Tit Bonhomme has said the whole family have been left devastated by the tragedy.

Relatives have again gathered on the quayside at Union Hall awaiting developments from the search which is now in its third day.

Patrick Kershaw's son Kevin is one of the missing members of the trawler's crew.

Mr Kershaw said: "Myself and Kevin have an unbelievable bond, it has been very tough.

"Other than that I am more concerned with the other children and how they adjust and how they feel. He was such a main light in their life and he was so good with them."

Poor weather conditions are hampering the diving operation as rescuers attempt to retrieve the bodies of the men.

A 200-metre cordon has been placed around the Tit Bonhomme where conditions remain dangerous for diving.

Air and sea searches, including dives at inlets and around Glandore Bay, are underway this afternoon as the search continues.

The Naval Service has said it is deeply conscious of the families and friends of the missing men and the wider fishing community and it would begin diving on the wreck as soon as safe diving conditions prevail.

In the Dáil, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed sympathy with the families of five fishermen.