The family of east Cork skipper Glynn Cott said it was "disappointed" that there are no immediate plans to salvage the Maggie B fishing vessel, which sank off the southeast coast almost seven weeks ago.
However, Minister of State for Transport Pat the Cope Gallagher has promised he will convey the family's views to the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB), which is conducting the official inquiry.
He has also asked Naval Service divers to carry out a thorough examination of the vessel, which is in 50 metres of water some five miles off Hook Head. The MCIB has no function in relation to recovery and salvage, which is within the Coast Guard's remit.
Mr Cott (30), single, from Ballycotton, Co Cork, and Polish crewman Jan Sankowski have not been seen since the sinking on March 29th, which occurred in 90 seconds, according to sole survivor Krzysztof Pawtowski, also from Poland. The vessel had capsized previously in British waters, and the bereaved families believe the cause of the incident will only be established if the boat is salvaged.
The MCIB would make no official comment on yesterday's meetin, but it is understood investigators are satisfied they can conduct the inquiry without a salvage. Two key factors are the evidence of the survivor, and information from several leisure divers, who saw no hull fracture.
