December 21st 2006

“Huge Efforts Continuing in search for Fishermen”

Fifteen to twenty fishing vessels from the Irish South & West Fishermen's Organisation Ltd. continue to search for the MFV "Honeydew II"

Jason Whooley, Chief Executive of the IS&WFO stated "we've a large number of vessels participating at the moment and more who wish to get involved. In addition, there are huge numbers of volunteers searching the coast. We have been based in Dunmore since we received the terrible news, the efforts of everyone involved have to be commended, hopefully we will have a successful outcome".

He added "this tragedy raises a number of issues in relation to the Industry. Everybody in our Industry is feeling a range of emotions, there is anger and frustration at how the Industry is being percieived and treated, all of these issues will be tackled another day as the number one prioirity at the moment must be the conducting of an efficient search operation.