Fishing boat in breach of safety regulations

An inspection of a fishing boat which called to Duncannon harbour by a Department of the Martine official led to a series of charges considered in the District Court.

The case was taken against 59-yearold Joseph (Des) Foley, Ramsgrange who admitted a number of safety shortcomings which came to light in July of last year.

It emerged that two of the boat’s crew, including the accused skipper’s son Lee, had not undergone safety training.

No record of working hours had been kept and no record of fire drills.

Marine official Eoin O’Toole told Wexford District Court how checks were prompted by the fact that the Coast Guard had been unable to make contact with the boat, due to a problem with communications equipment.

He discovered that proper records had been kept and some staff had not been trained in sea survival or first aid.

On-board medicines were out of date and there was no oxygen kit.

The manually operated fire pump was not working and it needed to be replaced by a powered pump.

Judge Gerard Haughton was informed that Des Foley was a widower who had six children to bring up since his wife died ten years ago.

The fishing was described by the defending lawyer as a family business.

The defendant’s son was now taking over much of the paperwork and his daughter was looking after the accounts on shore.

Fines to a total of €1,750 were imposed, along with an order to pay €700 costs (plus VAT) and €150 expenses.