A fatal maritime incident has occurred off the coast of County Kerry, resulting in one fisherman’s death and another sustaining serious injuries aboard the Spanish fishing vessel Novo Alborada. The tragedy unfolded when a critically loaded rope suddenly snapped under tension, striking both crew members during operations in severe sea conditions.
The Irish Coast Guard initiated a major rescue operation following an emergency relay from Spanish maritime authorities in Madrid at approximately 09:00 local time. The transnational alert triggered immediate deployment of multiple aerial assets, including the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing surveillance aircraft and two specialized rescue helicopters.
Despite receiving medical attention on board, one seaman succumbed to his injuries aboard the vessel. His surviving colleague was successfully airlifted via helicopter and transported to Cork University Hospital for emergency treatment. Maritime officials reported exceptionally dangerous conditions during the rescue, with ocean swells reaching six meters in height.
The Irish Department of Transport confirmed the challenging nature of the operation, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by fishing crews operating in Atlantic waters. The incident underscores the persistent risks in commercial fishing despite modern safety protocols, with rope-related accidents remaining a significant cause of maritime injuries worldwide.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the equipment failure, while international cooperation between Irish and Spanish agencies continues regarding notification of next of kin and investigation coordination.