Irishmen feared dead after terror attack found alive in hospital

Four young Irishmen who were thought to have perished in the World Trade Centre terror attack have been found alive in a New York hospital, it emerged tonight.

The men, who are all suffering from multiple injuries, were working near the Twin Towers when the terrorists struck.

Their families spent an agonising two weeks not knowing whether they had lived because they were classed as illegal immigrants and feared deportation if they contacted the authorities.

But tonight Sinn Fein member Caoimhghin O'Caolain said they had been reunited.

The TD said those involved were from a number of Co Cavan families who were working in the US without the correct permits.

He refused to name the survivors, who, according to local reports, include three brothers being treated in St Vincent Hospital.

Mr O'Caolain said: ‘‘My office was contacted by a number of families from Co Cavan who were greatly concerned about loved ones who had not made contact following the atrocities.

‘‘I advised them of the Department of Foreign Affairs helpline numbers. They were reluctant to go through official channels.

‘‘Much to the relief of the families the four young people concerned were located. These young male workers were caught up in the tragic events at the World Trade Centre and have sustained multiple injuries.

‘‘Fortunately we know that they have survived and the relief of their families is indescribable.’’

Mr O'Caolain said there may be more similar cases where illegal immigrants are unwilling to contact the authorities.

He called on the US Government to ‘‘consider the arguments in support of a declaration of immunity for those caught up in this tragic event’’.

The Sinn Fein member for Cavan-Monaghan said he played a central role in re-uniting the injured men with their families.

He contacted members of the Irish community in New York and Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen in a bid to trace them.

He also called US Ambassador Richard Egan to alert the authorities about the problem, which may have affected more Irish people in New York.

Mr O'Caolain added: ‘‘I have again encouraged people right across the board to utilise the existing emergency official network and have assured people of the confidential nature of the service offered by the Irish Consulate General in New York.’’