A crew member of the Greencastle-based fishing vessel Marliona died after falling overboard during fishing operations approximately 80 nautical miles west of Malin Head, Co Donegal, according to a newly published marine accident investigation report.
The Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) published its interim report on Thursday, 5 November, outlining the circumstances of the fatal incident on 10 November 2025.
The report states that the vessel was preparing to shoot its fishing net for a second time when a crew member, positioned near the port quarter, signalled to the skipper to operate a winch.
A loud bang was subsequently heard, and the crew member fell headfirst over the stern into the sea. His lifejacket inflated, but he drifted away from the vessel.
Mayday and Rescue Operation
A Mayday distress call was transmitted, and the crew launched the vessel's rescue boat to recover the man from the water.
He was recovered unconscious, and efforts were made to resuscitate him.
Despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a helicopter medical evacuation, he was subsequently pronounced dead at Sligo University Hospital.
The Marliona had departed Greencastle the previous evening for fishing grounds off the northwest coast.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The MAIU's interim report, numbered MAIU/26014/INTERIM, provides an account of the incident but does not establish its causes or make final safety recommendations.
The investigation remains ongoing. The circumstances surrounding the reported bang, the operation of the fishing equipment and the crew member's fall have not been established as causal findings.
The MAIU, which took over Ireland’s statutory marine accident investigation functions in January 2026, investigates casualties to improve maritime safety. Afloat has covered the establishment of the new investigation authority, which replaced the MCIB. Its final report on this fatality has yet to be published.
Afloat previously reported on the recruitment of investigators for the new MAIU.
The interim investigation report is available from the MAIU.
