Young fisherman drowned after going overboard while fishing off Donegal coast


A young fisherman has drowned after he went overboard while fishing on a crabbing vessel off the Co Donegal coast. A mayday call was received by the Malin Head Coastguard Radio Station at around 8.30pm.

Confirming the incident, a spokesperson told Donegal Daily that a rescue mission was coordinated that involved the Rescue 118 helicopter and the Arranmore Lifeboat.

They described the weather conditions as challenging with 3 to 4 metre swells and high winds.

A spokesperson confirmed the man was recovered from the water but despite the best efforts of his crew mates who attempted CPR, the man was pronounced dead on board.

The Rescue 118 helicopter and the Arranmore Lifeboat were subsequently stood down.

The crabbing vessel on which the man died was based out of Ballyglass in Co Mayo.

On Sunday, the boat returned to Ballyglass along with the remain’s of the deceased where it is being met by local Gardai.

While the identity of the man has not been released yet, but it is believed that the deceased is in his lats 20s.

According to the reports, the identity will be revealed once all the family members have been informed about the incident.

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However, another local fishing boat, Ailbhe Marie, which was in the vicinity and also responded to the alert located the two crewmen who were on a life raft.

They took the men ashore to Machaire Rabhartaigh where they were met by members of the Bunbeg Coast Guard shore unit.

It was understood the men did not require any medical attention.

Their fishing boat sank about a half a mile south of the island.



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