The hazards of sea-angling were never more clearly highlighted yesterday following the boating tragedy which occurred 1½ miles off Baginbun Head in Bannow Bay, south Co Wexford.
I was fishing out of Kilmore Quay aboard the chartered boat Lady Alison about three miles from the scene when the Mayday call was relayed just before noon.
Visibility was poor, down to about 500 yards, and conditions were fair in a 4-6 knot south-westerly wind.
Early reports suggest that the Pisces, a 26-ft half-deck wooden fishing vessel from Fethard-on-Sea, had nine anglers and the captain on board.
New legislation which is to be to be introduced in June next year will mean all angling boats must comply with the Merchant Shipping Act Load Line Certificate.
This will compel angling vessels to have on board items such as life jackets, life rafts and fire-fighting equipment, to meet full safety regulations as laid down by the Department of the Marine.