THE SEARCH for a missing 13-year-old Polish boy is set to continue along the west Cork coast today.
A memorial Mass was held yesterday for the boy and his father, whose body was recovered after both had been washed to sea over a week ago.
Piotr Latek’s body was recovered about 100 metres from shore last Wednesday morning, but despite a number of dives in subsequent days the body of his son, Mattheus, has not been found.
A Naval Service dive team will resume its search for the boy off Cod’s Head on the Beara Peninsula this morning, with the teenager having gone missing with his 40-year-old father on Sunday, July 12th, while on a fishing trip.
Mr Latek worked as a baker at the Breadcrumb Bakery in Kenmare, Co Kerry.
His son was in Ireland to visit his father at the time of the accident.
Mr Latek’s widow, Joanna, flew into the country late last week, and attended a special Mass held for her husband and son yesterday at the Church of the Holy Cross in Kenmare.
The late Mr Latek’s father, Stanislaus, was also in the congregation at the Mass, which was said in Polish by a Polish priest, Fr Trofil, OFM.
There were many members of the local Polish community among the 200-strong congregation at Holy Cross Church.
Speaking on behalf of Ms Latek, Fr Trofil said she had asked for prayers that Mattheus’s body would be found.
“Finding Mattheus is very important for her. She has also asked me to thank both the Polish and Irish people for all the help they have given to the family in what has been a terrible week,” he said. Preaching in Polish, Fr Trofil said Piotr and Mattheus were together in heaven.
“It’s the people who are left that are suffering now, but the tragedy should make us think about and review our own lives,” he said.
“What has happened should make us look at what is really important, to ask ourselves if we’re only thinking about work and money and maybe neglecting our families and to resolve any conflicts we might have with other people.’’
A photograph of the father and son was placed on the altar.
Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly, who has been in contact with the Polish Embassy seeking financial support for the family, attended the Mass and afterwards said he was hopeful that support would be forthcoming.
Mr Latek’s employer, Manuela Goeb has said that more than €6,000 has been raised in an appeal to help cover the funeral costs. Ms Goeb urged people to continue to give any amount they can.
Donations may be lodged to the “Piotr and Mattheus Fund” at Bank of Ireland, Kenmare. The sort code is 905731 and the account number is 28414889.