The double tragedy off the Waterford coast, in which seven fishermen lost their lives, has had a devastating impact on the families concerned and is a bleak reminder of the dangers involved in the fishing industry. At this time of public shock and mourning, the response by people from many walks of life who offered support and comfort to the bereaved families and joined in difficult sea and on-shore searches for the missing men represents a truly heartening aspect of Irish life.
At the best of times, fishing at sea is a risky business. In these particular circumstances, severe weather conditions may have played a major role. Winds were gusting up to storm force in the area and high seas were running. Hit by a big wave, a shifting catch could cause a boat to capsize. The Marine Casualty Investigations Board has ordered formal inquiries into the loss of the Pere Charles and the Honeydew 11 . But the priority of those engaged in search and rescue operations has turned to the recovery of bodies. Strengthening winds and five metre waves have, however, prevented Garda and naval divers from inspecting the wrecks.
Since late last year Ireland has been buffeted by Atlantic gales, causing widespread flooding of low-lying farmlands, damaging homes and forcing disruption on the fishing industry. In December, Met Éireann reported a doubling in the number of gales along the West and South-West coasts, with wind speeds increasing. Climate change is becoming a threatening reality for us all. And experts predict the situation is likely to worsen dramatically in the years ahead.
Warmer summers will be accompanied by much wetter, windier winters. The saucer shape of this island and its exposure to Atlantic weather systems will bring an increase in flooding and storm damage. And while Ireland is unlikely to be as seriously affected as some other European countries, there are compelling reasons why we should immediately reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to minimise long-term damage. Life has become more difficult for coastal communities. Declining fish stocks, reductions in catch quotas and tighter EU regulations have increased financial pressure on fishermen. Bad weather has kept the fleet in port for extended periods. Casualisation has become an aspect of the business, particularly where smaller and older boats are concerned. Profits have declined, even as fish prices have risen.
The industry is becoming more specialised with the introduction of larger and more sophisticated trawlers. The vessels lost at sea were recently surveyed and passed safety equipment inspections, but they were both more than twenty-years old. The helicopter rescue of two crewmen from the Honeydew 11 , after they had spent twenty hours in a life raft, represented a small miracle. But it is by way of such small mercies that fishermen and their families look to the future with hope.