Stena Connecta Freight Vessel Arrives in Belfast Harbour
Stena Connecta, the latest purpose-built freight vessel commissioned by Stena Line for the Irish Sea has arrived in Belfast Harbor and is due to go into commercial service on the Belfast-Heysham route on January 23, 2026.The ship joins its sister vessel Stena Futura which went into service on the Belfast-Heysham service in October 2025 and together they offer an additional 40% freight capacity on the increasing popular trade route between Northern Ireland and Britain.Stena Connecta…
Irish Coast Guard Responded to 2793 incidents in 2025
Over the course of 2025, the Irish Coast Guard managed 2793 incidents, ranging from search and rescue operations to maritime casualty responses, as well as pollution control and preparedness activities.The 44 Coast Guard Units were deployed 1187 times during the year, continuing to play a vital role in safeguarding communities nationwide. This included 933 helicopter missions including medical support for offshore island communities.In total, the Irish Coast Guard provided life-saving assistance to 1941individuals in 2025…
Marine Accident Investigation Unit Established
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced the establishment of the Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) within the Department of Transport. From January 1, 2026, the MAIU replaces the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) as the permanent body responsible for marine accident investigations. The MAIU will take over ongoing MCIB investigations.The MAIU is led by Chief Investigator David O’Driscoll. It will carry out marine safety investigations into accidents involving vessels in Irish waters, and Irish-flagged vessels anywhere in the world.
Irish Coast Guard Coordinates Fishing Vessel Rescue Off Southwest Coast of Cork
The Irish Coast Guard at Valentia Marine Rescue Coordination Center are currently coordinating a rescue operation which is in its final phase 53 nautical miles south west of Dursey head, Co. Cork.Valentia Coast Guard received a MAYDAY just before 6am today from the fishing vessel, 'Radoche Tercero,' which was taking water. The Coast Guard broadcast a MAYDAY relay to all shipping and tasked the Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter R115, the Coast Guard Fixed wing 120F, Castletownbere lifeboat and Baltimore lifeboat.
