News Update
A temporary maritime exclusion zone off the Co Wicklow coast is to come into force from Friday (28 August) as part of what authorities describe as a “major security operation”. The Department of Transport has issued Marine Notice No. 42…
The 50-year-old former fishing vessel MV KATE is due to leave Kinsale Fisheries Pier on Sunday afternoon, bound for Gaza in an attempt to breach the Israeli naval blockade and deliver relief supplies to Palestinians. Previous attempts by vessels taking…
Afloat.ie records with profound regret the death of American sailing writer and historian John Rousmaniere at the age of 82. He was best known on this side of the Atlantic as the author of the best-seller "Fastnet Force 10", his…
Unlicensed Boat Captain Charged After Mother and Baby Killed in New York Capsizing
12th August 2026 News Update
A boat captain is facing federal charges after a vessel carrying 14 people capsized near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old daughter. The incident occurred at approximately…
Sailing clubs around Ireland looking to grow participation may find valuable lessons in a major new UK watersports survey. While the research focuses on Britain, its findings on recruitment, affordability, safety and social participation are likely to resonate with clubs…
Musician Glen Hansard who died in a motorbike accident early on Wednesday morning is being fondly remembered around the coast for his love of the sea, and the bonds he forged when he participated in the final leg of a…
Ireland's small craft registration system is "simply not fit for purpose", according to Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle, the Seanad Spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, who has called for a simpler and more efficient process for recreational boat owners.…
Consultant Kieran Mulvey made the recommendation in a report prepared for Minister of State for Fisheries Timmy Dooley to inform a new five-year strategy for the fisheries sector under the Programme for Government. Mulvey said discussions across the sector consistently…
An international search is underway for the Irish-flagged sailing yacht Maple after Italian and Greek maritime rescue authorities issued an all-ships distress broadcast seeking assistance from vessels in the Ionian Sea. The search is being coordinated by the Italian Maritime…
EU ocean diplomacy is one of the themes of a conference on the EU Ocean Act in Wexford this week. The two-day conference at the National Opera House in Wexford has been planned as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency programme.…
Environmental regulation, boating safety and the future of sustainable propulsion were among the key topics discussed at the latest meeting of the European Boating Association (EBA). Delegates from 18 countries met in Sweden in April 2026 to review financial, governance…
"Oceanwide Were Fantastic" - Irish Hantavirus Survivor Ann Lane On Her Ordeal
28th June 2026 News Update
Ann Lane, one of two Irish passengers on the MV Hondius ship hit with hantavirus, says she would go to sea again with the same company. “Oceanwide Expeditions were fantastic,” Lane told The Sunday Independent. “We all got a letter from the captain,…
Oireachtas Committee To Resume Discussions on Aquaculture and Water Quality
22nd June 2026 Oireachtas
The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs is to resume discussions on aquaculture and water quality with stakeholders on Tuesday (June 23). The meeting at 11am in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House will hear from representatives from IFA…
‘Surreal’ Experience for British Couple as Russian Warship Fires Warning Shots Near Their Yacht
18th June 2026 News Update
“Surreal” is how a British couple sailing across the English Channel described their encounter with a Russian warship that fired warning shots near their vessel. According to Marine Industry News, retirees Alan and Jane Kelvey were sailing their 12m yacht…
When Imperial Russia went to war with Imperial Japan in 1904, most of the Russian Navy was based in the Baltic and had to be sent off on the Grand Imperial Voyage right round Africa, and just about everwhere else,…
Trust in news in Ireland has fallen significantly over the past year, according to the Digital News Report Ireland 2026 published by Coimisiún na Meán. The annual study shows that 42% of Irish people say they trust most news most…
