The families of two fishermen missing since their trawler sank off Co Cork have united to appeal 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 Glandore Bay on January 15th.
The bodies of fellow crew members, Attea Shaban (26), Kevin Kershaw (21) and Wael Mohammed (35) were recovered last week.
Caitlín Ní Aodha, wife of Mr Hayes (52) said search teams hope to take advantage of favourable weather conditions this weekend.
"We feel that because it's a harbour, a contained space, the more divers and ribs we have out searching the better the chances of finding them," Mrs Ní Aodha said. "If any experienced divers can give us a few hours either on Saturday or Sunday, we feel it's important to take advantage of the very suitable weather conditions predicted."
She also appealed for kayakers and others with small boats to join the search.
Weather conditions this weekend offer a good opportunity, she said. Light south west winds are predicted, bringing low swell and good visibility for divers.
The father of the young Egyptian crewman echoed calls for volunteers this weekend. 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.