Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 440: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will publish the contents of the survey he commissioned into the salvaging of the [i]Asgard II[/i]; if he has received enquiries from interested parties to raise the vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18114/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There were two underwater video surveys commissioned on Asgard II following her sinking on 11 September 2008. The initial survey, which was carried out between 26 and 29 September, revealed that the vessel was lying upright in some 80m of water and appeared to be largely intact. Other than some visible damage to one of the hull planks, the video survey did not reveal anything about the extent of damage to the vessel. The second survey commenced on 28 January 2009 but it was not possible to complete the survey due to adverse weather conditions. However, a sonar image of the vessel was obtained which appeared to show it to be still in an upright position. I understand that there has been a number of queries from parties who claim to be interested in salvaging Asgard II. However, no firmly funded proposals have been received.