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06/03/2002
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)
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)
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22 March 2002
Search for missing fishermen resumes
The underwater search for the bodies of the three missing members of the Greene family is underway. Wreckage from the sea vessel, the Tullaghmurray Lass, which disappeared with three generations of the Greene family on board, was discovered off the coast of Kilkeel on Friday.
Search for missing fishermen resumes
The underwater search for the bodies of the three missing members of the Greene family is underway. Wreckage from the sea vessel, the Tullaghmurray Lass, which disappeared with three generations of the Greene family on board, was discovered off the coast of Kilkeel on Friday.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
26 March 2002
Divers search wreckage of Tullaghmurray Lass
Police divers have begun the process of sifting through the wreckage of the Tullaghmurray Lass, which was discovered on the sea floor seven miles off the County Down coast last Thursday.
Divers search wreckage of Tullaghmurray Lass
Police divers have begun the process of sifting through the wreckage of the Tullaghmurray Lass, which was discovered on the sea floor seven miles off the County Down coast last Thursday.
03 April 2002
Weather again hampers search for Greene family
The search for three generations of a County Down family missing at sea has been hampered again by the weather. Despite valiant efforts to locate them, police divers have found no trace of Michael Greene, his son and eight-year-old grandson, also called Michael since they left Kilkeel fishing harbour on February 14.
Weather again hampers search for Greene family
The search for three generations of a County Down family missing at sea has been hampered again by the weather. Despite valiant efforts to locate them, police divers have found no trace of Michael Greene, his son and eight-year-old grandson, also called Michael since they left Kilkeel fishing harbour on February 14.
09 December 2022
PSNI Mark National Missing Persons Day
The PSNI has taken part in a commemorative ceremony to markt eh tenth annual national Missing Persons Day.
PSNI Mark National Missing Persons Day
The PSNI has taken part in a commemorative ceremony to markt eh tenth annual national Missing Persons Day.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
