Statement from Loughs Agency – Barry Fox, Director of Aquaculture

“Loughs Agency would like to thank DOE, NIEA and Foyle Port for their assistance in the recovery of the MMV Ostrea. An investigation will now begin in to the cause of the vessel sinking”

Statement from Environment Minister Mark H Durkan

“This is great news that the MMV Ostrea has been successfully salvaged from the River Foyle. I congratulate all involved in this complex operation. This was a very difficult task given the size of the boat. It was a dangerous operation for all of the Agencies involved.

We owe a deep gratitude to those prepared to go into the murky depths on our behalf. Indeed there was tremendous teamwork from a number of different agencies, who assisted in bringing about an effective salvage operation while preventing the escape of harmful fuel oil into the Foyle.  It was unfortunate that the boat sank in the first place. It is fortunate that we are blessed with the expertise to deliver a successful salvage”

ENDS

Further press enquiries to Loughs Agency please email: gillian.simpson@loughs-agency.org