Fishing boat overdue THE FISHING VESSEL, Fortune Hunter, expected to arrive at Ventry, Co Kerry at 1600 on the afternoon of Saturday January 12, 1985, had still not appeared by 1930. The police telephoned the honorary secretary of Valentia lifeboat station saying that the vessel's owner was now very concerned about the safety of the three crew members aboard, and maroons were fired to summon the lifeboat crew.

The weather was fair when Valentia's 52ft Arun class lifeboat, Margaret Frances Love, set out at 1950 withCoxswain Sean Murphy at the helm. A moderate breeze from the south east was blowing and the sea was choppy as the lifeboat began her search. Fortune Hunter, which had no radio on board, had left Cromane at 0130 and Coxswain Murphy therefore decided to search first in the Ventry area, then to work back along the coast of the Dingle peninsula.

They eventually found the fishing boat disabled and in dangerous shallow water close to a cliff face to the east of Bull Head. The wind was now gusting to strong breeze, force 6, but the lifeboat was able to pass a tow line and the fishing boat was towed clear and taken to Dingle.

Leaving Dingle at 2255 the lifeboat returned to station where she was remoored, ready again for service, at 0130the following morning.

A letter, signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to the honorary secretary of Valentia lifeboat station asking him to thank Coxswain Sean Murphy and his crew for their efficiency during this service..