Trawler recovers section of missing Kilkeel boat

A section of the wheelhouse of the missing Tullaghmurray Lass has been found in the nets of a fishing trawler.

During a prawn fishing expedition on Tuesday March 5, the trawler found a large section of wood in its nets just south of the official 70 square mile search area. The debris was brought to shore and members of the Greene family later identified it as coming from the missing boat's wheelhouse.

The Tullaghmurray Lass was reported as missing on February 14 with three generations of the Greene family on board. The missing, all called Michael, were aged 54, 32 and eight years old.

Only hours before the breakthrough discovery was revealed, the search for the vessel was officially to be declared over when both the Royal and Irish Navy, which had deployed minesweepers to help in the three-week long search, were preparing to withdraw their vessels at midday on Wednesday March 6.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), who have been involved since the coastguard broke off its search on February 16, will make a deliberation on the new evidence before assessing whether to bring in the navy for a follow-up operation. That decision will be made known on Thursday March 7.

Alex Slater, the Kilkeel port chaplain, said: "Our hearts go out to the family and we don't know really how they feel, but we can surmise the sadness and the sorrow that they are feeling at this time."

MAIB personnel will remain in the area and continue their probe into the tragedy.

The team have reportedly been examining evidence that may suggest another ship was involved in the Tullaghmurray Lass's sinking. An initial report from the MAIB is expected within the next few days.

(GMcG)