Relief as last trawler victim is found in sea
THE family of the last missing fisherman who went down with a stricken trawler yesterday spoke of their relief as the body was recovered from the sea.
Egyptian born Saied aly Eldin (24) was one of five men who died when the Tit Bonhomme sank off Union Hall, Co Cork on January 15.
His body was found at low tide around 1pm yesterday at Long Point in Glandore Harbour. A coastguard rib brought the body to Union Hall pier where members of Mr aly Eldin's family, including his mother and father, have been waiting for almost four weeks.
"We'd like to thank all of the people who have helped with the search over the last few weeks," said Mohammed aly Eldin, Saied's father.
"It is a huge relief for us to have him back."
There were emotional scenes as the final coffin was carried from the pier to a waiting ambulance before being taken to Cork University Hospital.
Members of the Egyptian community in west Cork addressed the coast guard, naval divers and all who had participated in the search, thanking them for their tireless work since mid-January.
Mr aly Eldin said that he and his family planned to attend the funeral of skipper Michael Hayes, due to take place in Ring, Co Waterford, today.
Spirit
Fr Pearse Cormac, parish priest at Union Hall, said that the entire community had been affected by the loss of the five fishermen and commended "the dedication of those who never stopped looking for the men".
"There has been tremendous spirit shown here locally over what has been an extremely difficult few weeks. It's only now that the grieving can really begin, but at least all of the men can be laid to rest properly," he said.
- Michael Carr
Irish Independent
