#SuspectedWrecks – According to the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) they suspect a buried timber wreck lies close to the entrance of Dun Laoghaire Harbour, writes Jehan Ashmore.

In recent days the GSI's South African built research vessel RV Keary, named after Raymond Keary, one of Ireland's pioneering marine geologists, has been carrying out site investigations assisted by her tender boat.

The underwater work is also according to another source understood to be associated with the proposed cruise line pier. As part of these works divers over the next few days are to assess the archaeological significance (or otherwise) of up to two wrecks located within the harbour before a dredging licence can be granted.

On this occasion divers are to use an underwater vacuum system to suck the silt away from the wreck to discover what condition it's in.

One wreck is close to the East Pier Lighthouse and the other is in the centre of the shipping channel as shown in the photo above taken yesterday. The vessel is seen with a flag aloft her mast which denotes diving operations are underway.

The asymmetrical catamaran hull which is grey in colour having been constructed of marine grade aluminium, instead seemed to appear almost white due to the strong winter sunshine.

Designed by Nic De Waal of Teknicraft in New Zealand, RV Keary's specific design brief was to a nearshore, shallow water survey platform. The stout-looking craft was manufactured by Veecraft Marine of Capetown and completed in 2008.

She was transported by cargoship to northern Europe from where she continued her delivery voyage which took several days to include bunker calls en route along the UK south coast.

As she made passage along the Leinster seaboard she transited Dalkey Sound before finally reaching her homeport of Dun Laoghaire.

In recent years RV Keary has been joined by a smaller inshore RIB, RV Geo and the chartered Central Fisheries Board Cosantoir Bradan, a patrol squadron cutter.

RV Keary's fleetmates were also at the time in the harbour but berthed in the marina.