Search operation launched after fishing boat sinks

PA Media

A search operation was launched after a fishing boat with two people on board sank in Carlingford Lough.

One man was rescued and another is missing after their boat got into difficulty near Greencastle point.

The rescued man was picked up by a local boat and transferred into the care of paramedics at Greenore harbour.

The Irish Coast Guard received a call from a member of the public at 12:30 BST.

PA Media

The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Belfast is co-ordinating the response.

The Irish Coast Guard’s helicopter Rescue 116, based in Dublin, and the Greenore Coast Guard unit were dispatched.

An RNLI lifeboat from Kilkeel was also sent, along with Coastguard rescue teams from Newcastle and Kilkeel. A Royal Navy helicopter also assisted.

Michael Muckian, chair of the Cooley Peninsula Community Alert group, said: “The boat got into difficulty in the early afternoon and there is currently a number of boats on the lough still searching.”

Speaking to the Evening Extra programme, Muckian said the tide and currents at the incident location were “incredibly strong”.

“It really is a fishing and water-based community coming together to try and help those involved,” he said.

“The RNLI train here every Wednesday for eventualities like this and that training has been put to good use.”

Environment Minister Andrew Muir said: “The sinking of this vessel will come as a great shock to many and my thoughts are with all those affected by this incident – particularly the families of those involved and the wider fishing community in Carlingford.”

He thanked the organisations taking part in the search operation.