Searchers find body of last Tit Bonhomme crew member

The body of the last crewman from the stricken trawler the Tit Bonhomme has been removed from the sea and brought to Cork University Hospital.

The body of Said Ali Eldin was brought ashore to Union Hall to a temporary mortuary where his father visited and had some time with his son's remains.

Around 60 members of the Egyptian community, along with locals, gathered at the quayside and prayers were said.

The search operation has now been stood down.

On Wednesday the remains of the 52-year-old skipper Michael Hayes were recovered from the sea.

The discovery comes weeks after the ill-fated trawler sank.

Irish Examiner reporter Eoin English said: "Confirmation has come through that people who were involved in low-water searches around the shoreline of Glandore Harbour found the remains.

"The body will be taken to a temporary morgue on the peer-side where formal identification will be made.

"The remains will then be removed to Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will take place."

The Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, has commended the Irish Coast Guard, the numerous other agencies, and the local communities of West Cork and Bunmahon for their assistance in the search.

Mr Varadkar said: "From the moment the first call came through to the Coast Guard, the helicopter crews, West Cork volunteer Coast Guard units, numerous other agencies and countless volunteers have worked tirelessly to search for the missing persons, often in difficult conditions.

"I understand that the Coast Guard wishes to acknowledge the tremendous cooperation received from the various agencies, and particularly from the local community, as well as volunteers from all over the country who freely gave their time to join in the search for the missing people.

"The support shown to the families, and the tangible spirit of volunteerism throughout the search, is a testament to everyone involved.

"We can only hope that the families of the fishermen can now finally take same solace. I would like to express my condolences to all of the families, and to the local communities, during this very sad time.," he said.