Investigation launched after fisherman's body found in water off Co Donegal

Stephen Maguire

A fisherman has been pronounced dead after his body was taken from the water off Co Donegal on Tuesday.

The tragedy occurred on Tuesday, just after 1 pm, after the man's body was recovered off Arranmore Island.

The fisherman, who was in his 40s, is understood to have gone overboard from the fishing trawler in Irish territorial waters.

The man was recovered from the sea by a rescue vessel a short time later, and he was taken to Sligo University Hospital.

He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Upon the arrival of the boat at the Irish coast in the early hours of this morning, a technical examination of the vessel was carried out.

A Garda spokesperson said "The Coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination will be carried out by the State Pathologist, the results of which will determine the course of the Garda investigation."

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board and the Health and Safety Authority have been notified.

The man is not originally from Ireland but it is understood he had been living in Greencastle on the Inishowen Peninsula for many years.

He was described by locals as an experienced fisherman who was well-liked in local harbours.