Fv-Fastnet

During the weekend of Dec 20/21 weather had improved so far that salvors were able to board the 'Fastnet' and carried out initial surveys. The swell had reduced significantly. Pollutants will be removed as soon as possible. The Department of Agriculture is leading the operation. Report with photo: https://thefishingdaily.com/irish-fishing-industry-news/improved-weather-allows-access-to-stricken-fv-fastnet/

Gales with wind force 8 and wave heights of up to eight meters were expected on Dec 18, preventing any assessment of the 'Fastnet'. It was estimatd that there could be at least 17,000 litres of fuel left in the upper diesel tanks and about three tonnes of oil. Besides the recovery of the remaining fuel, it will also important to remove the nets from the vessel as they also pose a threat to marine life. The situation was to be reassessed as soon as the weather has settled, possibly early next week. In terms of damage to the vessel, there was nothing that could be conclusively said at this stage. The double-base hull design in the vessel could help in efforts to free the trawler from the rocks. However, the vessel was showing reduced signs of buoyancy on rolling waves, an indication that the hull has been breached and filled with water. The 'Fastnet' was resting at the base of a 40 meter high cliff within 400 metres of Binn Bán beach. The area is a well-known beauty spot with picturesque views of the mouth of the harbour at Daingean Uí Chúis and Binn Bán lighthouse. Report with photo: https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2025/1218/1549658-kerry-trawler/

On Dec 17, the 'Fastnet' had rolled more onto its starboard side, showing heavy hull damage and multiple breaches at the port side bottom. The ship was no longer floating, while heavy seas and gale force winds continued to batter the monkfish gillnetter. Diesel fuel was leaking from the breached tanks, and odors were spreading in the area. A visible streak of fuel was trailing from the vessel. Force 7 gales and wave heights of 30 feet were forecast. The focus was thus shifting away from a salvage to monitoring the wreck and potential pollution impacts. An Daingean, and the location where the trawler went aground, is managed by An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre on behalf of the Department. Reports with photos: https://thefishingdaily.com/irish-fishing-industry-news/fastnet-grounding-off-dingle-raises-salvage-and-pollution-fears/ https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2025/1217/1549538-trawler-kerry/