Additional on-board weight was factor in fishing boat sinking in Bantry Bay

Marine safety watchdog warns owners of fishing vessels about the danger of modifying their boats without proper evaluation of the consequences

The MCIB recommended that the Minister for Transport should issue a marine notice to remind owners of fishing vessels under 15 metres in length that they need to comply with the Code of Practice relating to the design and operation of such boats which requires proposed modifications to be agreed in advance with approved surveyors. File picture: Dan Linehan

The marine safety watchdog has warned the owners of fishing vessels about the danger of modifying their boats without proper evaluation of the consequences after a small commercial boat sank after being swamped by waves in Bantry Bay last year.

A report by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) revealed the skipper of Anna Louise managed to swim safely ashore after it sank near Glengarriff Harbour, Co. Cork, on July 2, 2022, while lifting lobster posts.