Earlier today a commemoration took place in Drogheda to remember the 34th Anniversary of Leading Seaman Michael Quinn DSM.

Leading Seaman Quinn died on the night of January 30th, 1990 during an attempted rescue of the crew of the Spanish fishing vessel Gardoza, which had gone aground on rocks near Roancarrigmore Light, northeast of Bere Island in Bantry Bay.

The Irish Naval Vessel LE Deirdre responded to the mayday call from the stricken vessel and launched its Gemini inflatable in an effort to ascertain the lie of the trawler and to affect a rescue if possible. The Gemini, crewed by Leading Seaman Mick Quinn and Able Seaman Paul Kellett, manoeuvred close to the trawler. Still, the appalling conditions in the vicinity of the vessel made it apparent that boarding and therefore a rescue by boat would not be possible. The 16-man crew of the Gardoza were subsequently rescued by an RAF Sea King Helicopter.

Leading Seaman Quinn manoeuvred the Gemini to return to the LE Deirdre, just as a wind and wave combination capsized the Gemini throwing both crewmen into the sea. AB Kellett was washed ashore on Rocks near Dereen Cove and despite the severe weather conditions and his own exhaustion managed to clamber up a rocky gully to the main road. Tragically LS Quinn perished.

Both Naval Service members were awarded An Bonn Seirbhíse Dearscna (The Distinguished Service Medal with Merit)

Wreaths were laid by the National President of ONE Mick Kinahan, representatives from the Naval Association, ONE’s Drogheda & Slane Branch and the Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Kevin Callan, this was followed by the last post and reveille. Photos by Drogheda & Slane Branch members Adrian O’Brien and Mark Donoghue both. More photos here.

Cuimhnímis – Remember Those Who Served

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