Investigation after fisherman dies off Waterford coast
Gardaí have launched an investigation following the death of a fisherman off the Waterford coast.
Johnny Flynn, 43, from Dunmore East, was pronounced dead this morning after his boat capsized off Brownstown Head near Tramore.
The accident occurred exactly six years to the day since five men lost their lives in another fishing tragedy in the same area – the sinking of 20m trawler the Pere Charles.
Mr Flynn was fishing with his friend James Tate when the pair were thrown from their 5m boat into the water at around 5.30am this morning.
Both men were wearing lifejackets, but only Mr Tate, also in his 40s, made it to shore.
It is understood he was forced to climb over rocks and cross sand dunes before raising the alarm around two hours later.
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter pulled Mr Flynn from the water at 8.30am.
“The victim is believed to have been in the water for more than two hours when he was found,” a Garda spokesman said.
“He was taken to Waterford Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.”
Mr Tate was also taken to hospital where he was treated for shock and hypothermia.
