Former Arklow Boat Owner Writes To German Government Over Vessel Safety Concerns

A former boat owner from Arklow has written to the German government seeking an explanation as to how they had continuously issued safety certs for a fishing vessel that should have never passed any safety criteria.

CJ Gaffney Ltd purchased the Mary Kate trawler in 2007 which was deemed fit for purpose by several surveys and passed as seaworthy by the Marine Survey Office.

But in January of 2008, it was discovered that the Mary Kate, along with several of her sister ships which are all under 24 metres in length,  were classified as seriously unstable and described as a death trap.

CJ says he has been locked in a battle for justice and compensation for well-over a decade, but with no success.