Investigation likely into fatal currach incident

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board is expected to initiate an investigation into the loss of a Connemara man off the north Co Galway coast yesterday.

Gerry Folan (43), Carna, Co Galway, was a strong swimmer who had been involved in the rescue of the crew of a gleoiteog after it capsized in Galway Bay almost three years ago.

Mr Folan was last seen in his currach off Mace Head at about 5pm on Monday. His empty currach was located off the Aran island of Inis Mór yesterday morning. His body was recovered several hours later off the northern shore of Macdara island and taken by the RNLI Aran lifeboat to Rossaveal.

Valentia Coast Guard co-ordinated the search for Mr Folan, which involved the Irish Coast Guard Sikorksy helicopters from Shannon and Sligo, the RNLI Aran lifeboat, the Coast Guard Costello unit and an Air Corps Casa maritime patrol aircraft.