Lack of able seamen has resulted in entire naval fleet being tied up

Irish naval vessel LÉ Samuel Beckett close to the Old Head of Kinsale, Cork.  Picture: David Creedon/Anzenberger

The navy's personnel crisis has sunk to new depths as it is now so short of frontline sailors that, for the first time, none of its four ship-fleet, worth €280m, has been able to go out on patrol.

Previously, patrols have been delayed or temporarily postponed due to a lack of specialists such as medics, communications experts, marine engineers, and ERAs (Engine Room Artificers).