Volunteers join search for fishermen

Garda divers search off Adam Island in west Cork last week for the five fishermen who went missing after the trawler Tit Bonhomme sank earlier this month. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA Wire

The search for two fishermen missing since their trawler sank off Co Cork resumed today.

Approximately 200 volunteers and almost 50 divers are involved in the operation at Union Hall which is focused on a stretch of water between Adam's Rock and Long Point close to the entrance to Glandore Bay.

Yesterday the families of the missing men appealed for experienced search teams to help locate their loved ones this weekend.

Skipper Michael Hayes, a father of five from Helvick Head in Co Waterford, and Egyptian Said Mohammed (23) remain missing since their trawler Tit Bonhomme  sank near Adam’s Island at the mouth of the bay on January 15th.

Caitlín Ní Aodha, wife of Mr Hayes (52) said search teams hoped to take advantage of favourable weather conditions.

The father of the missing Egyptian crewman echoed calls for volunteers.

Through a translator, he said each passing day brought a deeper sadness. “I’m just hoping to find my son. Every day without him it just gets harder, waiting and hoping to find him,” Mohammed Ali Eldine said.

The bodies of fellow crew members, Attea Shaban (26), Kevin Kershaw (21) and Wael Mohammed (35) were recovered last week.

The Coastguard, which is co-ordinating the operation, said it had the diving resources needed for an intensive search.