Three generations die in Irish sea

DUBLIN, Republic of Ireland -- Three generations of one family were killed in a boating accident, Irish police said after the body of a missing 14-year-old boy was found.

Officers confirmed on Monday a body recovered from the sea was that of Mark Doyle, who was last seen clinging to a barrel after the 26-foot trawler "Pisces" sank a mile off the coast of County Wexford the day earlier.

The bodies of Mark's father, Seamus Doyle, grandfather Jim Cooney and family friends John Cullen and Martin Roche were recovered from the sea on Sunday.

Five people, including four children, were rescued from the water by another fishing boat after the 26-foot trawler Pisces got into difficulties during an angling trip from Fethard-on-Sea late on Sunday morning. They were all taken to hospital for treatment for hypothermia and shock.

Heavy fog and a rising sea delayed the rescue forces of local lifeboats and helicopters, as the search had to be called off on Sunday.

The tragedy marks the second time this year that three generations of one family have been killed in a fishing accident off the Irish coast of Ireland.

In February, eight-year-old Michael Greene, his father and grandfather failed to return to port at Kilkeel, just north of the Irish border, after a day's fishing.

An investigation into the "Pisces" sinking is being carried out by Ireland's Marine Casualties Investigation Board, but divers have found no obvious signs of damaged to the boat yet. It is thought that none of those aboard the vessel were wearing life jackets.

Superintendent Tom Saunderson, leading the police investigation, told the Press Association: "There is shock around the area. The Cooney and the Doyle families are all very well known but unfortunately this is one of many tragedies that has hit the area over the years."