Retired navy heroes closer to bravery medals

Two retired Naval Service personnel may have made ground in a battle to receive medals awarded for their heroic action onboard a ship in 1962.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney has asked the Defence Forces chief of staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett to investigate the actions of the men who helped save the LÉ Cliona after a depth charge exploded prematurely.

The ship was conducting an anti-submarine exercise off Cork Harbour in May 1962 when a depth charge was fired. The explosion resulted in a fireball which engulfed the boiler room.