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Statement from the Irish Coast Guard on search operation for missing fisherman

 As the search for missing fisherman William Whelan from the fishing vessel ALIZE, enters its third day the Coast Guard has thanked the statutory and voluntary bodies, including Naval Service, RNLI and  local fishing vessels, that have participated in the search that has been taking place since the alarm was first raised shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday night. The Coast Guard extends its deepest sympathy to the Sinnott and Whelan families and to the wider fishing community.

The Waterford based Coast Guard helicopter, Kilmore Quay and Dunmore East RNLI units coordinated by LÉ CIARA conducted a search of the target area today. Shoreline searches were conducted by Fethard and Kilmore Quay Coast Guard units.

The operation is now categorised as a Search and Recovery operation and  the Coast Guard will continue to support  an Garda Síochána and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) with the ongoing search and investigation.