Principal dies after boat capsizes while laying lobster pots

A 66-year-old man became the fifth person to die in marine tragedies this week when his body was discovered near his capsized boat in West Cork yesterday.

The dead man, named locally as retired school principal Pearse Lyne, was found near Pulleen Pier, Castletownbere, shortly before 2.30pm.

Mr Lyne, a respected member of the local community who was married with three children, was an experienced “hobby” fishermen who was believed to have been laying lobster pots when the accident happened.

He is understood to have gone out to sea at about 9.30am and the alarm was raised later when his upturned boat was spotted.

Emergency services were scrambled, with the Castletownbere lifeboat and Shannon-based rescue helicopter taking part in the search.

They found Mr Lyne in the water at Pulleen Pier.

His body was taken into Castletownbere harbour and was to be transferred to Cork University Hospital. Gardaí said they were treating the death as a tragic accident.

Mr Lyne recently retired as principal of the national school in Castletownbere.

Beara-based TD Noel Harrington had been taught by Mr Lyne.

“He was an immense character. He had a huge, positive influence on those he taught. He grea-tly encouraged his pupils to have a love of sport, history, and current affairs.”

Mr Lyne is survived by his wife Evelyn, son Liam, and daughters Lorraine, Karina, and Janice.