Class of just six recruits a further sign of Naval Service personnel crisis

Normally, the Naval Service would get anything between 25 and 40 in a recruit class and needs to ratchet up recruitment significantly as it is already more than 200 personnel short of the minimum number it requires. File picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

Only six young recruits passed out of training in what's believed to be the smallest class in modern times encountered by the Naval Service, which is already dogged by personnel shortages.

Normally, the Naval Service would get anything between 25 and 40 in a recruit class and needs to ratchet up recruitment significantly as it is already more than 200 personnel short of the minimum number it requires.