A FISHING boat that went missing along with three crew members will be taken ashore as part of an investigation into the cause of its disappearance.

The Nicola Faith, which went missing on January 27, will be raised from the seabed about 2.2 miles off Rhos Point so that an in-depth examination and stability analysis can be carried out.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said it has chartered a specially designed barge crane that to raise the boat when weather and tidal conditions are suitable. It will then be taken ashore to a secure location for further examination before being prepared for a stability assessment.

A MAIB spokesperson said: “Since locating and identifying Nicola Faith in April, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has gathered and analysed dive survey data from the vessel. The MAIB now intends to raise the vessel so that an in-depth examination and stability analysis can be carried out.

“The vessel will be raised using a specially designed barge crane that has been chartered by MAIB. The operation will be undertaken when weather and tidal conditions are suitable. It will then be taken ashore to a secure location for further examination before being prepared for a stability assessment.

“The Chief Inspector’s notice to prohibit access to the wreck remains in place. The families of the crew members have been notified of the plans.”

The bodies of three crew members Alan Minard, 20, Ross Ballantine, 39, and skipper Carl McGrath, 34, were found in March.

A shipwreck of interest found at the location was confirmed as the Nicola Faith on April 13. It followed a large-scale search operation carried out by the RNLI and Coastguard for two days following the disappearance of the boat. MAIB launched its investigation at the start of February and had acquired the use of Welsh Government patrol boat Rhodri Morgan.

MAIB and North Wales Police dive team investigated the site to gather imagery and video evidence so that a decision on the next steps of the investigation could be made.

A notice of direction to prohibit access around the wreck remains in place during the investigation. The notice prevents anchoring, fishing by nets, trawls or lines, and carrying out diving operations within a 200-metre radius of the wreck’s location.

MAIB said the families have been kept fully updated on the ongoing investigation.