Displaying items by tag: near collision

2nd December 2022

Manx Fisheries Patrol Vessel In 'Close Quarters Situation' with Fishing Boat

An Isle of Man Government fisheries protection vessel (FPV) which enforces legislation up to 12 nautical miles offshore, was recently involved in a ‘close quarters situation’ with another boat.

According to ManxRadio, the incident led to ‘avoidance manoeuvres’ having to be undertaken on 1 November after the Department of of Environment, Food and Agriculture's (DEFA) fisheries patrol vessel FPV Barrule and a local fishing boat had almost collided.

The next day the incident was reported to the Isle of Man Ship Registry.

Following the near collision, details of the incident between the 22m FPV Barrule and the fishing boat were released in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The questioner had asked DEFA as to whether the fishing boat, the Bonnie Lass would have been ‘T-boned’ if it hadn’t been put into reverse, with its trawl gear down.

FPV Barrule Afloat adds is used by DEFA officers to enforce sea fisheries legislation within Manx territorial waters where the FPV is equipped with a RIB which is launched from the stern. This enables officers to board fishing vessels for inspection.

Another function is for scientists to conduct monitoring and survey work aswell to DEFA chartering the vessel which has a crew of five but is licensed to carry up to 12 persons.

Published in Isle of Man

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Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of. For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water. The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.