Daughter of drowned fisherman helps launch safety campaign

The daughter of a man who drowned in a fishing tragedy almost 28 years ago has said people should be more aware of the dangers posed by the sea.

The daughter of a man who drowned in a fishing tragedy almost 28 years ago has said people should be more aware of the dangers posed by the sea.

David McDaid, 27, from Glengad in Malin, Co Donegal, was among four fishermen killed when their vessel the Boy Shaun went down on September 20, 1987.

His daughter Eimear, who was just six weeks old at the time, said: “It was a tragedy that changed the course of life for my mother and me.

“I have grown up without a father and without answers as to what caused the boat to sink on what was described as such an idyllic fishing day.”

The weather was mild and water calm when the crew of the Boy Shaun set off from Portaleen Pier headed for Inishtrahull Island off the coast of Malin Head in search of crab.

They were not wearing life jackets.

Ms McDaid said she hopes that speaking out about her loss will raise awareness about the risks of open water.

“As a result of the tragedy we have a healthy respect for the sea,” she added. “It is a powerful force and one not to be reckoned with. Four very experienced fishermen paid the ultimate price 28 years ago.

“We can only hope by sharing our story that we can encourage others to respect the water too, to wear life jackets and to support those who work to help save lives at sea.”

Only one person survived the sinking of the Boy Shaun. He was found clinging to a short plank of wood from the stricken vessel amid pieces of debris and an oil slick.

Two bodies, including the remains of Mr McDaid, were pulled from the water while two others were found recovered several months later on the coast of Scotland.

Anthony Chambers, from Portrush, Co Antrim, who was part of the Portrush RNLI response crew, said he has never forgotten the incident.

He said: “In the 28 years that have passed, our lifeboat crews have been on many call-outs in all sorts of weathers and have faced many different types of conditions.

“Thankfully, we have been able to save lives and bring many people to safety and that is always rewarding.

“However, it still remains just as difficult for us now as it did then, if we have to return to shore knowing that a family has lost a loved one, and this tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of that.”

Ms McDaid and her mother Sally have pledged their support for the RNLI’s Mayday fundraising campaign which runs from Friday May 1 to Monday May 4.

She said: “We know first-hand the importance of having a dedicated lifeboat service. My father wasn’t saved that day, but thousands of other fathers, men and women have been brought home safe through their bravery. Each person they have brought back is a family member brought home.”

Last year, RNLI lifeboat crews from Ireland’s 45 lifeboat stations launched 1,089 times, rescuing 1,414 people.

To donate and for ideas on how to get involved with the Mayday campaign, visit www.rnli.org/MAYDAY.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

DUP Hold Crunch Meeting To Decide On Return To Stormont Jeffrey Donaldson steps down as DUP leader amid ‘historical’ sex offence charges
Berlin UKB Hospital Is Among Germany's Most Modern Nearly 10,000 people left waiting on trolleys across country in March
Spring weather Mar 28th 2024 Here's what to expect from weather and travel this Easter weekend
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited