Defence Forces confirm sudden passing of Cork Naval Service member (39)

The Defence Forces have confirmed that a 39-year-old sailor died suddenly on board the LÉ Róisín which was in dock for maintenance in Cork this afternoon.

Paramedics were called to the ship after Leading Seaman Conor Kiely was found in an unresponsive state by his colleagues.

In a statement issued this evening, the Defence Forces said its Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, on behalf of the Defence Forces, would like to express his sincere condolences to the family and friends of L/S Kiely and that the Flag Officer Commanding of the Naval Service, Commodore Michael Moore, sends his deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues L/S Kiely.

A Cork native, L/S Kiely joined the Naval Service in 2006 and entered the Seamans Branch, qualifying as a Seaman Gunner in 2007.

He served in a number of positions ashore and afloat during his career.

At sea, he served onboard the LÉ Aisling, LÉ Niamh, LÉ Orla, LÉ William Butler Yeats and, most recently, as a crew member of LÉ Róisín.

“He successfully completed a Potential NCO Course in 2013, and went on to use his skills and experience as an instructor in the Naval College,” the Defence Forces’ statement said.

The Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command in the Naval Service, Captain (NS) Kenneth Minehane, moved to express his condolences following the tragedy.

“The members of the Naval Service have sadly lost a shipmate and friend.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to his family at this sad time,” he said.

“Our dearly departed colleague will be missed and never forgotten.”