Fisherman who died in Galway Bay named

Authorities expected to launch inquiry into death of Patsy Kelly (68)

The alarm was raised after discovery of a 6m potting vessel in the inner part of Galway Bay near Tawin Island.
The alarm was raised after discovery of a 6m potting vessel in the inner part of Galway Bay near Tawin Island.

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) is expected to initiate an inquiry into the death of a fisherman in Galway Bay this week.

The fisherman has been named as Patsy Kelly (68) of Ballinacourty near Clarenbridge, Co Galway.

Mr Kelly had set out to recover shellfish pots in his 6m vessel on Wednesday. The alarm was raised when his boat was found empty and with its engine running south of Tawin Island near Oranmore.

After an extensive search co-ordinated by Valentia Coastguard radio station, Mr Kelly was found in the water a mile west of Blackrock by the RNLI Aran lifeboat. He was wearing a lifejacket and was showing signs of life, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered.

He was rushed to University Hospital Galway by ambulance but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The MCIB is making further inquiries, and will then determine whether to initiate a formal investigation or not.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times