Fisherman Dies After Falling Overboard Off Donegal Coast

A tragic incident off the coast of County Donegal has claimed the life of a fisherman in his 40s after he fell overboard from a boat near Arranmore on Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred at approximately 13:25 local time, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.

The man, who was originally not from Ireland but had been living in Greencastle, Inishowen for several years, was airlifted to Sligo University Hospital. Despite urgent medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The Coast Guard marine rescue coordination centre in Malin responded promptly to a mayday call from the fishing vessel. The crew of the vessel recovered the casualty from the water before transferring him to the air ambulance.

Authorities have confirmed that a technical examination of the boat has been carried out. Both the Marine Casualty Investigation Board and the Health and Safety Authority have been notified and are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

The Department of Transport expressed condolences and emphasized the importance of safety measures for those working in the maritime industry. The incident has also reignited discussions on improving safety protocols for fishermen operating in the challenging waters off the Irish coast.

This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by fishermen daily, particularly in offshore and rough sea conditions.