MCIB calls for review of effectiveness of life jacket rules
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has recommended that the Minister for Transport reviews the effectiveness of rules relating to the mandatory wearing of life jackets.
The Board said regulations in relation to the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) are being routinely flouted.
The call is contained in a report into the death of a fisherman in Galway Bay, in August 2023, which has been published today.
The MCIB said the casualty went overboard from the Lady Pexia, while he was returning from a fishing trip on 25 August.
He was reported missing by the vessel's skipper, who noticed he was no longer on board, as the boat returned to shore.
The investigation said that the deceased was not wearing a personal flotation device when he was recovered from the water by a Coast Guard rescue helicopter.
The man was taken to University Hospital Galway where he was pronounced dead.
A post-mortem examination found that he drowned.
The report concludes that the consumption of alcohol was a "significant contributing factor to the incident" and that it "likely impaired judgement, leading to risky decisions, such as [the casualty] removing his PFD and engaging in unsupervised activities".
Inspectors said that despite clear legislative provisions and repeated warnings, instances of non-compliance with PFDs persist.
They question the impact of existing laws and suggest there may be a need to improve enforcement by means of prosecutions, in the manner that applies to breaches of road traffic laws.
The report also found that while the deceased had worn his PFD at times during the fishing excursion, it was not functioning properly and was ineffective as a flotation aid.
The MCIB said that apart from the PFD worn by the Skipper, there were no other functioning life jackets on the boat.
The report said this "appears to be a breach of Applicable safety regulations" but goes on to say this is a matter for the prosecuting authorities.
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RTÉ News
15-05-2025
- RTÉ News
MCIB calls for review of effectiveness of life jacket rules
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has recommended that the Minister for Transport reviews the effectiveness of rules relating to the mandatory wearing of life jackets. The Board said regulations in relation to the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) are being routinely flouted. The call is contained in a report into the death of a fisherman in Galway Bay, in August 2023, which has been published today. The MCIB said the casualty went overboard from the Lady Pexia, while he was returning from a fishing trip on 25 August. He was reported missing by the vessel's skipper, who noticed he was no longer on board, as the boat returned to shore. The investigation said that the deceased was not wearing a personal flotation device when he was recovered from the water by a Coast Guard rescue helicopter. The man was taken to University Hospital Galway where he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination found that he drowned. The report concludes that the consumption of alcohol was a "significant contributing factor to the incident" and that it "likely impaired judgement, leading to risky decisions, such as [the casualty] removing his PFD and engaging in unsupervised activities". Inspectors said that despite clear legislative provisions and repeated warnings, instances of non-compliance with PFDs persist. They question the impact of existing laws and suggest there may be a need to improve enforcement by means of prosecutions, in the manner that applies to breaches of road traffic laws. The report also found that while the deceased had worn his PFD at times during the fishing excursion, it was not functioning properly and was ineffective as a flotation aid. The MCIB said that apart from the PFD worn by the Skipper, there were no other functioning life jackets on the boat. The report said this "appears to be a breach of Applicable safety regulations" but goes on to say this is a matter for the prosecuting authorities.
Sunday World
26-04-2025
- Sunday World
Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin was shut over fears of ‘forced takeover'
The Islamic Centre is currently at the centre of a bitter dispute between the board of the Al Maktoum Foundation and a group of prominent officials in the centre and their supporters Footage of the incident at the Islamic Cultural Centre Ireland (ICCI) last Saturday The Islamic Centre in Clonskeagh was closed amid fears of 'potential attempts to breach the Centre's gates and forcibly take control of the premises,' it has been stated. In a statement issued on the Centre's website, its newly appointed Board of Directors described the closure as 'a preventive measure to ensure the safety and security of the property, staff, children and members of the public.' The Centre remained closed on Saturday. Locals say there has been an increased garda and security presence visible there in the past number of days. The Islamic Centre is currently at the centre of a bitter dispute between the board of the Al Maktoum Foundation and a group of prominent officials in the centre and their supporters. 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'As part of this effort, the management requested financial records and other relevant documents from the Principal and Deputy Principal of the Quranic School. 'However, they refused to comply, unlawfully withheld ICCI property, and removed sensitive records without authorization.' In the wake of the centre, a complaint has been made to the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) alleging that the foundation's board was accessing details of members of the centre and sending them to the United Arab Emirates. The new board of the ICCI has however denied this allegation. 'Assertions circulating that any foreign party has made a request for any data are completely false and are categorically denied,' the statement said. 'No such request has been received, nor has any action been taken in this regard. 'These statements are defamatory and baseless. The Centre reiterates that rumours of pressure from abroad or any external actors/parties are false and without foundation. 'The ICCI will remain closed as it undertakes a full review of its security posture. 'In the meantime, the Board is also conducting a comprehensive audit to address and remedy the legal, financial, and governance issues it has inherited. 'These reforms will ultimately enhance the Centre's ability to fulfil its mission. 'Looking ahead, the ICCI intends to welcome a wide range of new proposals and initiatives that support deeper integration into Irish society and foster stronger collaboration with the institutions and diverse communities of the Irish state.'
Extra.ie
25-04-2025
- Extra.ie
Gardaí are called in as mosque closes after 'distressing attack' over internal dispute
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