Displaying items by tag: Bolger

6th November 2015

'Misadventure' In Deaths Of Three Brothers In Tramore Bay Lobster Boat Tragedy

#DeanLeanne - Jury members have returned a verdict of "misadventure" in the deaths of three brothers after their fishing boat sank off Co Waterford more two years ago.

At the inquest yesterday (Thursday 5 November) into the tragedy that befell the MFV Dean Leanne on 12 June 2013, it was heard that brothers Paul, Shane and Kenny Bolger from Passage West died by drowning in the wake of their lobster boat suddenly going under.

Speaking after the inquest, according to Irish Independent, the Bolger family's solicitor Emmet Halley described their loss as an "unspeakable tragedy".

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board's (MCIB) report on the incident found a series of poor safety practices on the Bolgers' vessel on top of a malfunctioning EPIRB radio of a model later recalled by its manufacturer.

The inquest in Tramore heard that search and rescue teams were not notified till the brothers' uncle, also a fisherman, set out to look for them late in the day after seeing them depart Dunmore East by chance that morning.

Their boat itself was only rated to carry two crew, said the MCIB's findings, while its fibreglassed hull was found to have "extensive rot and decay".

Only two of the brothers were found to be wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) when their bodies were recovered, and neither of these was well maintained, the report added.

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.