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The R118 helicopter along with the Arranmore RNLI Lifeboat were called out last night after a fisherman fell overboard off the Donegal coast
A fisherman in his late 30s has died after he went overboard while fishing off the coast of Donegal last night, Saturday 04 January 2023.
Malin Head Coast Guard responded to a distress call from a fishing vessel 65/70 miles north of Árainn Mhór last night which had been fishing for crab the time. It was reported that crew member had fallen overboard.
The alert was made at around 8.30pm and Rescue Helicopter 118 and Arranmore RNLI Lifeboat were dispatched to the scene where the incident took place.
The other crew members onboard the fishing vessel had recovered the man from the water but failed to revive him.
Weather conditions were challenging with 3 to 4 metre swells and high winds. Arriving at the scene, the rescue services found the man deceased. The casualty then was pronounced dead. The rescue services returned to base.
The fishing vessel travelled home with the deceased onboard where he was brought ashore at An Baile Glas (Ballyglass Harbour) in north Co Mayo. The deceased was brought to Mayo University Hospital this morning, for a post mortem examination.
Reports understand the deceased man was originally from eastern Europe.
Gardaí say an examination of the vessel will be conducted.
The incident has also been reported to the Marine Casualty Investigation Board.
