Menu
08/09/2015
MoD Admits Submarine Was Responsible For Fishing Trawler Incident
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has admitted one of its submarines was responsible for dragging a fishing trawler through the Irish Sea.
The incident happened 16 miles off the Co Down coast on 15 April, when the Ardglass-based prawn trawler Karen B317 was dragged backwards before the crew were able to release the nets.
At the time, the British MoD denied having any of its submarines within 150 miles of the incident.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill said she is "appalled and astonished" at the actions of the MoD.
She said: "Firstly, a British Royal Navy submarine put trawlermen's lives at risk when it snagged the nets of the Karen Band then dragged it and its four-man crew through the water.
"Safety at sea is paramount for the fishing industry and our fishermen should never be exposed to the type of danger faced by the crew of the Karen. I wrote to the British Secretary of State insisting this matter was raised with the MoD and that an investigation was carried out.
"Secondly, why does it take the MoD almost five months to come clean and admit what it has done? In the days after the incident, I visited Ardglass to meet with the owner Simon Wills and I heard first hand from Skipper Paul Murphy of the frightening moment he and his crew feared for their lives. I also saw for myself the damage to the boat and the profound impact the incident had on those affected.
"It is inexcusable to put lives at risk in this fashion and not to admit responsibility immediately afterwards. There are clear guidelines that must be followed at all times. However, in the case of the Karen, those guidelines have been flouted."
Minister O'Neill has called on the MoD to identify the individuals responsible for the incident and to explain why denials were issued.
(CD/JP)
The incident happened 16 miles off the Co Down coast on 15 April, when the Ardglass-based prawn trawler Karen B317 was dragged backwards before the crew were able to release the nets.
At the time, the British MoD denied having any of its submarines within 150 miles of the incident.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill said she is "appalled and astonished" at the actions of the MoD.
She said: "Firstly, a British Royal Navy submarine put trawlermen's lives at risk when it snagged the nets of the Karen Band then dragged it and its four-man crew through the water.
"Safety at sea is paramount for the fishing industry and our fishermen should never be exposed to the type of danger faced by the crew of the Karen. I wrote to the British Secretary of State insisting this matter was raised with the MoD and that an investigation was carried out.
"Secondly, why does it take the MoD almost five months to come clean and admit what it has done? In the days after the incident, I visited Ardglass to meet with the owner Simon Wills and I heard first hand from Skipper Paul Murphy of the frightening moment he and his crew feared for their lives. I also saw for myself the damage to the boat and the profound impact the incident had on those affected.
"It is inexcusable to put lives at risk in this fashion and not to admit responsibility immediately afterwards. There are clear guidelines that must be followed at all times. However, in the case of the Karen, those guidelines have been flouted."
Minister O'Neill has called on the MoD to identify the individuals responsible for the incident and to explain why denials were issued.
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 September 2015
Approval Recommended To Regenerate Former MOD Site
Approval has been recommended to regenerate the former MOD site at Fort George in L'Derry. The plan sets out a development framework for the 6.2 hectare site and includes a mixed use development with residential, office, employment and education uses, retail, cafes, bars and restaurants and associated multi-storey and surface car parking.
Approval Recommended To Regenerate Former MOD Site
Approval has been recommended to regenerate the former MOD site at Fort George in L'Derry. The plan sets out a development framework for the 6.2 hectare site and includes a mixed use development with residential, office, employment and education uses, retail, cafes, bars and restaurants and associated multi-storey and surface car parking.
24 June 2015
Metaverse Mod Squad To Create 100 New Posts
Metaverse Mod Squad, providers of managed digital engagement services, has announced it is to create 100 new jobs. The US-owned firm is to establish a new centre at the City Factory in L'Derry.
Metaverse Mod Squad To Create 100 New Posts
Metaverse Mod Squad, providers of managed digital engagement services, has announced it is to create 100 new jobs. The US-owned firm is to establish a new centre at the City Factory in L'Derry.
13 May 2019
NIFRS Crew Commander Dies In Off-Duty Incident
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has paid tribute to a Crew Commander who lost his life in an off-duty incident over the weekend. 54-year-old David Brown died in a road traffic collision on the Magherafelt Road in Moneymore on Friday afternoon, 10 May. It is believed he was on a motorbike at the time.
NIFRS Crew Commander Dies In Off-Duty Incident
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has paid tribute to a Crew Commander who lost his life in an off-duty incident over the weekend. 54-year-old David Brown died in a road traffic collision on the Magherafelt Road in Moneymore on Friday afternoon, 10 May. It is believed he was on a motorbike at the time.
16 April 2015
SDLP Calls For Immediate Investigation Into Boat Incident
The SDLP is calling for an immediate investigation into an incident which caused an Ardglass fishing trawler and his crew to be dragged through the water by a submarine. SDLP South Down Westminster Candidate Margaret Ritchie said her thoughts were with skipper Paul Murphy and his crew who were left badly shaken following the incident.
SDLP Calls For Immediate Investigation Into Boat Incident
The SDLP is calling for an immediate investigation into an incident which caused an Ardglass fishing trawler and his crew to be dragged through the water by a submarine. SDLP South Down Westminster Candidate Margaret Ritchie said her thoughts were with skipper Paul Murphy and his crew who were left badly shaken following the incident.
08 November 2016
Three MoD Sites In NI Marked For Closure
Three Ministry of Defence (MOD) sites in the NI are to be closed as part of UK-wide restructuring announced by Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon. Ballykinler, Abercon and the Newtownards Airfield site are to be closed alongside 56 other MOD sites.
Three MoD Sites In NI Marked For Closure
Three Ministry of Defence (MOD) sites in the NI are to be closed as part of UK-wide restructuring announced by Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon. Ballykinler, Abercon and the Newtownards Airfield site are to be closed alongside 56 other MOD sites.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
