Ireland Division Fishing boat sinks ROSSLARE HARBOUR PORT AUTHORITY informed the deputy launching authority at 2220 on Saturday, June 19, that MFV Hopeful with two men on board was taking water and sinking rapidly in a position about two miles north west of the lifeboat station.

The sea was calm and the tide two hours before high water when, at 2235, the 48' 6" Solent lifeboat R. Hope Roberts left her moorings. She came up with the casualty ten minutes later and immediately took on board the crew of two. An attempt was made to tow Hopeful, but by this time she was awash and after a very short tow she sank.

The lifeboat, with the two survivors on board, returned to her station and was re-moored at 2355..