The Fleetwood lying on its side in Howth Harbour after it was untied from its moorings early yesterday morning and capsized when it hit rocks. Another trawler, Fleetwood Lady, was untied and set on fire, causing extensive damage Up to £1 million worth of damage was caused to two Howth trawlers when they were untied from their moorings at the north Co Dublin fishing port early yesterday morning. One of the vessels drifted on to rocks in the harbour and capsized, while the other was set on fire and badly damaged.
There were no injuries in the incident. Gardai made one arrest.
Gardai arrived at the scene shortly before 5 a.m. to see the 80 fttrawler, Fleetwood Lady, lying on its side at the end of the West Pier. Its mooring ropes had been untied, causing it to drift on to rocks and capsize.
The second vessel, the Supreme, was seen drifting towards the mouth of the harbour with heavy smoke billowing from the wheel house.
The Howth lifeboat was launched and reached the trawler shortly after 5.30 a.m. It towed the vessel back to a berth at the West Pier where the Dublin Fire Brigade put the blaze out.
Extensive damage had been caused to the living quarters and wheelhouse of the Supreme but no one was injured.
The Irish Marine Emergency Service was called to the harbour and is to assist in the removal of fuel oil from the submerged vessel.
The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, visited the site of the incident early yesterday and said he was "appalled" at the damage done to the two trawlers.
He expressed his sympathy to the estimated 10 fishermen who were employed on the vessels and whose livelihoods had been put in jeopardy as a result of the incident.
"While insurance payments may compensate for financial loss, the traumatic effect of . . . [the] incident on the vessel skippers and crew cannot be so readily redressed," said Dr Woods.
He added that he intends to hold a meeting with the local fishermen and the Harbour Master, Capt John Burrows, to review security for the area.
