GRIM FIND
Heartache as body of fisherman recovered from water in Carlingford Lough as search stood down
THE BODY of a fisherman has been recovered from Carlingford Lough following a major search operation yesterday.
The alarm was raised shortly after 12:30pm following reports of a fishing vessel in trouble near Greencastle Point, Co Down on Tuesday.
The operation was conducted after the Coast Guard received a report the fishing boat with two people on board sank in Carlingford Lough shortly after 12:30pm yesterday.
It is understood two local fishermen were working in the area when their boat got into difficulty and sank, according to RTE.
One of the men was rescued from the water and brought ashore to Greenore Harbour in Co Louth, where he was treated by HSE paramedics.
A search was ongoing to recover the second person until Tuesday evening.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed this morning that the body of the second man had been found.
It said: “The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time, however, a post-mortem will take place in due course.”
PSNI also confirmed that the operation was then stood down.
The rescue crew included an RNLI lifeboat from Kilkeel, the Greenore Coast Guard boat, and Coast Guard rescue teams based in Newcastle and Kilkeel.
Air support was provided by the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 116 helicopter, with assistance from a Royal Navy helicopter.
Gardai were also on the scene to assist rescue teams.
Rescue operation launched after fishing boat with two on board sinks in Carlingford Lough
A RESCUE operation is under way after a fishing boat with two people on board sank in Carlingford Lough on Tuesday.
The Department of Transport said the Coast Guard received a report the vessel was in trouble near Greencastle Point, Co Down shortly after 12.30pm.
One person was recovered from the vessel by a local boat and transferred to the care of HSE paramedics at Greenore harbour.
A search was ongoing to recover a second person.
An RNLI lifeboat from Kilkeel and the Greenore Irish Coast Guard boat were sent, along with Coastguard rescue teams from Newcastle and Kilkeel.
The Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 116 helicopter took part in the search and a Royal Navy helicopter assisted.
Gardai said they were also on the scene.
The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) in Belfast was co-ordinating the response.
Images from the scene show RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) searching the lough as more rescue personnel support the operation from the shore.
Just last week, Kilkeel RNLI volunteers were involved in another rescue operation near Carlingford Marina.
On the evening of Wednesday, May 27, the station’s crew were carrying out a routine training exercise on a new Shannon-class lifeboat when they were diverted to respond to a mayday call.
A vessel had been taking on water while approaching the marina and the crew, arriving on scene at 9.30pm, escorted it safely to a pontoon, allowing the occupants to disembark.
The lifeboat crew then manoeuvred alongside the boat and, with help from Greenore Coast Guard, deployed a salvage pump to remove the water from it.
The vessel was then lifted from the water by a crane.
Andrew Lynas, RNLI Coxswain Afloat Mechanic at Kilkeel RNLI, said: “We want to wish both people well and commend the lifeboat crew and our colleagues from Greenore Coast Guard who responded brilliantly and professionally to achieve a positive outcome.
“It was great for our crew involved, who have been working endlessly in recent months to prepare the Shannon for service, to put their skills and training into action.”
He also urged water users to take appropriate safety precautions before heading afloat, advising sailors to check weather forecasts, wind conditions and tide times before departure, wear a suitable and correctly fitted lifejacket, carry a reliable means of communication such as a VHF radio or fully charged mobile phone, and ensure someone ashore knows their plans.
He added: “Should you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
