asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement on the progress of the search for the wreckage of the Aer Lingus Viscount, Saint Phelim; and whether he is satisfied that the methods and equipment being applied in the search give reasonable grounds for hoping that the main wreckage will be found.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Search for Aircraft Wreckage.
2.
The search has been proceeding since the accident in the probable area of the crash which covers over 100 square miles. British Royal Navy vessels, a mine hunter and a mine sweeper, have been engaged in the search assisted by two Irish Naval Service ships, two trawlers and aircraft and helicopters of the Air Corps. Some small wreckage and the port main under-carriage wheels have been picked up.
In the light of previous experience elsewhere of searching for wreckage of crashed aircraft, I am satisfied that the best available methods and equipment are being used in the search which, however, is being rendered difficult by the extent of the area which has to be traversed and the particular conditions, including tidal effects, excessive sand suspension and irregularity of rock formations which prevail in the area. The Deputy will appreciate that because of the area to be covered and the hazards and uncertainties inherent in the search it is not possible to say what the outcome will be but he can rest assured that everything reasonably possible is being done to locate the wreckage.