Displaying items by tag: MFV Suzanne

25th April 2020

Marine Notice Reminds Skippers of Legal Obligations Operating Vessels

The MFV Suzanne II caught fire about 29 miles east of Arklow

In the wake of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board report involving fire onboard the fishing vessel “MFV Suzanne II”, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has reminded vessel owners of their legal obligations when operating a vessel.

The reminder comes in the form of Marine Notice No. 18 of 2020, to all 'Fishing Vessel Owners/Operators, Skippers, Fishers, and Seafarers' and follows an Incident involving the Fire and Total Loss of a Fishing Vessel in 2019.

As Afloat reported in February, three fishing crew were saved by EPIRB after a fire alarm failed on the MFV Suzanne II in 2019.

Three crew on board the MFV Suzanne II had a fortunate escape, as their emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) activated, and gave their latitude and longitude.

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) inquiry records that the three crew had set out from Arklow, Co Wicklow, in the early hours of May 2nd last year, and were working about 30 nautical miles east of the fishing port.

Weather conditions were good, and the three had taken a break when one of the crew noticed smoke coming from the engine room.

The 17-metre French-built timber vessel with aluminium shelter deck was built as a trawler but fitted with a pot hauler in 2018. The vessel had been surveyed and certified for fishing in July 2018.

The Skipper of every Fishing Vessel has overall responsibility for ensuring his/her crew know the location of firefighting equipment on the vessel and are instructed, trained and drilled in the use of such equipment, the notice says.

Download Marine Notice No. 18 of 2020 below.

Published in Marine Warning

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.