An investigation into the sinking of a yacht off the southwest coast of Ireland last summer has found that a large, discarded trawl net which became entangled in the hull of the sailboat had caused it to break up and sink.
The 'Inish Ceinn' had departed Baltimore in west Cork in the early afternoon of 6 June 2023 for a short journey to Cape Clear Island when it became entangled in the large net off the southern shore of Sherkin Island.
The 13-metre yacht found itself pushed towards rocks, and eventually broke up due to the continuous hammering against the rocks.
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board's report found that the experienced and calm response of the skipper of the vessel ensured that all four adults and a teenager on board were safely landed, and any potential loss of life was prevented.
All five were evacuated from the rocks by the Baltimore Lifeboat and brought to safety. Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 was also tasked to the scene.
The 15-year-old vessel had just completed a full refit at a nearby boatyard and this was its first voyage the day after the refit.
The MCIB said if the fishing gear had been properly discharged ashore, or had it been reported and recovered if accidentally lost, this incident would have been prevented.
The report made a number of safety recommendations.
These included that the Minister for Transport issue a Marine Notice advising fishers of the dangers of discarding nets, setting out the obligatory regime on waste, plastics and recycling, and reminding fishers that if a net is lost, every effort must be made to recover it.
