'Now you see the danger of it': Crossing to island not so sound for people on Dursey 

The cable car has not operated since the start of last April and access to the island has been severely curtailed since then

Dursey islanders Martin Sheehan (left) and Bernie O'Leary with the boat and the broken derrick in the background. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The rope was attached to the boat, and through a Y buckle to metal railings, with the third end securely fastened to a digger, carefully travelling in reverse.

Down in the water four men heaved at a boat, trying to pull it out of the water. And then the rope snapped.