The thawed arrived during the week with rain and higher tempertures quickly melting the snow around the harbour.

Traffic in the bay included the bulk carrier CATTLEYA northbound for Dublin.

Coaster callers included the BACARRA

Traffic in the bay included the tug MULTRATUG 7 towing the work platform PAULINE northbound for Dublinon Chritmas day

Wicklow RNLI lifeboat RNLB ANNIE BLAKER arrived back from the UK after a major refit , the relief lifeboat LORD SALTOUN moored over Christmas at the North quay.

It was a 'white Christmas' around Wicklow harbour , with snow covering the piers , something not seen in living memory.

Traffic in the bay included SOUL SOUND , ARKLOW VENUS and GRANUAILE

Island shippings tug HUSKY towed the Met bouy 2 into the port during the week , it was lifted out of the water and taken away for repairs on a artic truck.

Bridget Carmel visited the port during the week.

Santa Claus arrived on the Wicklow RNLI lifeboat on Saturday.

Coaster callers to the port included the TRAVEBERG

Visitors to the port included the yacht ORONSAY of CLYNDER and beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL.

Traffic in the bay included GRANUAILE , CUBRIAN FISHER and the sailing ship EARL of PEMBROKE southbound after filming a new version of 'Treasure Island' at Dun Laoghaire with Eddie Izzard etc.

Traffic in the bay included HMS CHATHAM southbound and CIL tender GRANUAILE.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

Traffic in the bay included SOUL SOUND , DANA GOTHIA , RED DUCHESS , RED BARONESS , INDEPENDANT , EVA MARIA MUELLER , OPALINE and the Royal Navy type 22 frigate HMS CHATHAM northbound for a courtesy visit in Dublin .

A RNLI 'Trent' class lifeboat went north during the week possibly for Dun Laoghaire.

Santa arrived by boat on Saturday afternoon , after disembarking at the South quay he was taken to the street to turn on the street Christmas lights.

Coaster callers to the port included the ARLAU and SCOT PIONEER.

Traffic in the bay included RED DUCHESS , SOUL SOUND , the research vessel CELTIC VOYAGER , CELESTINE and MAZARINE.

Island Shipping's tug HUSKY went to Drogheda during the week to assist in an operation to refloat the coaster ARKLOW RAIDER , the coaster went aground while sailing from the Co.Louth port.

Aviation traffic included the Coast Guard s61 search and rescue helicopter.

Work on the South quay is nearing completion , the quay walls are now in place and the road is ready to be resurfaced.

Coaster callers to the port included the MONICA and ARLAU

The tanker CUMBRIAN FISHER anchored in the bay for a couple of hours on Thursday.

Traffic sightings included RED DUCHESS , STAV VIKING , LÉ EITHNE , ELBTRADER and RED BARONESS

Coaster callers to the port included the BERTHOLD K and BOUNDER.

Traffic sightings in the bay included TORRENT , GRANUAILE and PALENTINE.

Coaster callers to the port included the SCOT ISLES and OCEANIC.

Traffic in the bay included the RED DUCHESS.

Aviation taffic included the Coast Guard s61n rescue helicopter.

Wicklow inshore RNLI lifeboat launched on Saturday afternoon to rescue 2 people in difficulties on a jet ski off the harbour.

Coaster callers to the port included the ARUNDO , SCOT ISLES and OCEANIC.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL.

The Coast Guard s61n helicopter was in the area on a training flight.

Traffic sightings in the bay included the research vessel CORYSTES , SOUL SOUND

On Wednesday from the Green Hill carpark 7 Nato vessels belonging to SNMCMG1 were visible over 15 miles or more offshore , they were taking part in a excerise all day slowly moving south , they included the Polish MEWA and CZERNICKI , the German ROTTWEIL (M1061) , the Belgian CROCUS (M917) , the Dutch ZIERIKZEE (M866) the Norweigan HINNOY , the Estonian ex RN Sandown class ADMIRAL COWAN and the Royal Navy Sandown class PENZANCE (M106). The ships spent the Bank holiday weekend in Cork. For more details about SNMCMG1 click here

Coaster callers to the port included the VALENTIN PIKUL

Visitors to the port included the mussel trawlers EMERALD GRATIA , JANNA and the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

Traffic sightings included CELESTINE , LÉ ORLA ,RED DUCHESS and CUMBRIAN FISHER .

From the Greenhill carpark the Royal Navy Auxiliary LARGS BAY was visible mid Irish sea on Friday morning southbound at 15 knots , the Paddle staemer WAVERLEY had gone north on Thursday too far offshore to see in the mist.

Visitors to the port included the BIM survey vessel T.BURKE , BRIDGET CARMEL and JOHNNY K 

Traffic in the bay included ARKLOW RAMBLER ,HEINZ SCHEPERS and the HUELIN ENDEAVOUR

Coaster callers to the port included the UNION SATURN and PINNAU

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL and mussel trawlers JANNA ,EENDRACHT , EMERALD GRATIA and RONA. They were working South of Wicklow head during the week.

Traffic included the SOUL SOUND , EMSTAL , MAZARINE and RED DUCHESS.

Aviation traffic included an Air Corp 'CASA' Maritime patrol aircaft over the bay.

Coaster callers to the port included the ANKE ANGELA.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL and mussel trawler MARIE.

The relief fleet lifeboat LORD SALTOUN arrived on friday to go on station.

Traffic in the bay included the survey vessel CEFAS ENDEAVOUR , SOUL SOUND and EMDEN.

Visitors to the port inclue the mussel trawlers RONA , EMERALD GRATIA , WINGS OF THE MORNING and JANNA. Various mussel trawlers were working in the area during the week.

Traffic sightings included SOUL SOUND , ARKLOW RULER , BALLYHEALY ,HELSE and VESPERTINE.

Rosslare RNLI Severn Class lifeboat DONALD AND BARBARA BROADHEAD called to the port for a short visit on Tueday.

The coaster TORRENT anchored in the bay during the week.

Coaster callers to the port included the SCOT CARRIER

Traffic in the bay included the MERSY FISHER , SARNIA LIBERTY , MARUS , OELAND and PALENTINE.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL and a 'Nelson' cruiser

Coaster callers to the port included the ARKLOW SPIRIT.

There was plenty of mussel trawler activity South of Wicklow head this week , at one stage 17 vessels were noted off the Silver Strand , one trawler was detained by the Navel Patrol vessel LÉ AOIFE on Monday evening , she was escorted into Arklow.

Island Shippings split work vessel arrived by truck during the week , the vessel was assembled in the harbour.

Traffic included the tug DMS WORLD towing a work platform from Arklow to Dublin port , RED DUCHESS , CHARLOTTA and ARKLOW SEA.

Visitors t the port included the mussel trawler EMERALD GRATIA

Coaster callers to the port included the SCOT ISLES.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL .

Some mussel trawler activity in the area during the week , vessels noted included the WINGS OF THE MORNING , RONA and JANNA.

Aviation traffic included a civil AW139 helicopter.

Traffic included SOUL SOUND , E SHIP 1 , ARKLOW FAME , FINGAL and the liner DELPHIN VOYAGER.

Coaster callers to the port included the LEONID LEONIV , FAST SUS , ANKE ANGELA and SCOT ISLES.

Visitors to the port included BRIDGET CARMEL and the Relief fleet RNLI lifeboat DORA FOSTER McDOUGAL.

Traffi included the liners SAGA RUBY and PRINCESS DANAE.

Helicopter traffic included an Air Corp AW139 and the Coast Guard s61n SAR helicopter.

Mussel trawlers were working in the area during the week , they included the CECILIA and HIBERNIA

The small coaster TORRENT anchored in the bay during the week.

Arklow

The tug DMS WORLD arrived in the port on Wednesday.

Coaster callers to the port included the LEONID LEONIV

Traffic included the SOUL SOUND , PALATINE , DINTELDIJK , MARUS , NORDIC DANA and the huge liner THE WORLD southbound for Cork.

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist a cruiser South of Wicklow Head.

Traffic in the bay included DANA GOTHIA , RED DUCHESS , CEMBAY , ARKLOW SURF , BONDENAU , AMNY EEMS , MAZARINE , VESPERTINE and FINGAL.

The tri maran yacht LARINKA anchored off the port on Saturday night.

Wicklow Rowing Club held its Annual Regatta on the Bank Holiday Monday , other activities on the day included Blessing of the boats and a lifeboat / helicopter display.

Coaster callers to the port included the LUHNAU

Visitors to the port included 2 Slua Muiri ( Navel Reserve) launches and BRIDGET CARMEL.

The Wicklow Regatta Raft Race took place during the week , well done to all who took part , the event which has returned to the Regatta Programme after 2 years was sponsored by John Docherty of DPD Wicklow.

On Sunday night the annual Wicklow Regatta Festival fireworks display took place , well done to the crew of Wicklow lifeboat who illuminated the boat with lights.

Traffic included GRANUAILE , ARKLOW FLAIR , MERSEY FISHER , RED DUCHESS , ELBTRADER and GRANDE SENEGAL

Coaster callers to the port included the ANKE ANGELA and LUHNAU

Visitors to the port included the mussel trawler JANNA

Traffic sightings included the sailing ship KATHLEEN & MAY southbound for Arklow and the Ro/Ro VESPERTINE  

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist a vessel in the bay during the week.

Bray

The Annual Airshow took place on Sunday , this is a free Air show , the line up included a US B52 bomber , the Air Corp and Coast Guard helicopter , well done to the organisers l enjoyed every minute. click here for details

Coaster callers to the port included the WILSON GHENT

Traffic sightings included CELESTINE , BRO GALAXY , ICE RUNNER , TORRENT and the 3 masted French sailing vessel BELEM undersail .

Work continues on the South Quay , its expected to be completed in late October

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

The Coast Guard s61n helicopter was in the area on friday on a training flight.

Traffic included SAMSKIP EXPRESS and ICE RUNNER

Wicklow RNLI lifeboat Station held its Annual Open day on Sunday , An Air Corp EC135 helicopter landed on the Castle , while the local fight Service put on a display with the Ambulance, overall it was a fantastic day , the Coast Guard helicopter put in an appearance after being out on a call.

Coaster callers to the port included the SCOT ISLES and UNION SATURN

Traffic sightings included RED DUCHESS , ELBTRADER ,  PALATINE , HURST POINT , SAMSKIP EXPRESS and ENCOUNTER.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL.

Aviation traffic included an Air Corp PC-9 light strike aircraft.

Coaster callers to the port included the CROWN MARY and SCOT ISLES

Island Shippings HUSKY arrived back from Arklow during the week.

Traffic sightings included ARUNDO and JONSEN

All week yachts crossed the finish line in the Round Ireland Yacht Race , well done to the crew of PRIDE of Wicklow.

Coaster callers to the port included the LEONID LEONOV

Visitors to the port included BRIDGET CARMEL.

Various yachts arrived for the 2010 Conway Media Round Ireland Yacht Race , there was a great buzz around the harbour during the week , including the arrival of the PRIDE of WICKLOW. The Sailfest kicked off with music around the harbour , a fireworks display and many free events. On Sunday over 36 yachts crossed the starting line as the gun was fired form LE CIARA at noon , it was colourfull sight enhanced by glorious sunshine as the yachts started out on the 704 mile course around the coast. As the yachts rounded Wicklow head , spectators on the Castle were entertained with a aerobatic display by a 'Flying Cow' . Overall the weekend was fantastic.The crew of Wicklow Lifeboat Station dressed the lifeboat during the evening with lights , it was a nice touch , well done to Brendan .

Traffic in the bay included the small liner ISLAND SKY , RED DUCHESS , SOUL SOUND , MARUS and MAZARINE.

Coaster callers to the port included the SCOT MARINER

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL and Island Shippings new Catamaran work vessel .

Traffic in the bay included SOUL SOUND , MARZARINE , ARKLOW RULER , MARUS , the ketch BESSIE ELLAN and the small liner ADRIANA III

Galway

The tanker SOLENT FISHER was noted off the port on Monday.

Power boats left the port for a 5 day race around Ireland , the first leg was to Killybegs.

Traffic in the bay included SALIX , OELAND , MARUS , SOUL SOUND and the small liner ADRIANA III

Visitor's to the port included the Belgian Beam trawler VAN EYCK and BRIDGET CARMEL

The 1904 built ketch BESSIE ELLEN anchored in the bay during the week , she was on route to Dublin for a Maritime Festival over the Bank holiday weekend.

Work on rebuilding sections of the South Quay continues.

Wicklow RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched during the week after a dog got cut off on cliffs near the Black Castle.

Aviation traffic included a black Jet Ranger helicopter.

Galway

The Galway Powerboat festival was held over the Bank holiday weekend , vessels noted in the port included the French Navel vessels ANTARES , ALTAIR and ALDERBARAN.

Rossaveal

The small liner ADRIANA III was noted off the fishing port on Sunday afternoon.

Press Clippings

Up to 19 killed as Israeli commandos storm Gaza aid fleet

Israeli navy commandos stormed a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters on Monday, killing up to 19 pro-Palestinian activists in a pre-dawn raid that sparked global outrage.
The bloody ending to the high-profile mission to deliver supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip plunged Israel into a serious diplomatic crisis on the eve of talks in Washington between US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
As Israel pointed the finger of blame at passengers for initiating the violence, accusing them of using deadly force, activists from the ships countered with their own descriptions of how events unfolded in the raid which took place at around 5:00 am (0200 GMT).
Live footage from the Turkish passenger boat, which was posted all over the Internet, showed black-clad Israeli commandos rappelling down from helicopters and clashing with activists, as well as several wounded people lying on the deck of the ship.
Israel claims the troops returned fire after they were attacked with live rounds, knives and clubs, but flotilla organisers insist the soldiers started shooting the moment they hit the deck.
Only limited footage of the incident has been broadcast as communications with the six ships participating in the flotilla appeared to have been scrambled during the operation.
The Israeli army insisted its troops opened fire only after they were attacked with knives, clubs and even live fire.
"As a result of this life-threatening and violent activity, naval forces employed riot dispersal means, including live fire," an army statement said, adding that it appeared as if the passengers "were planning to lynch the forces."
Israel had pinned the blame squarely on the activists, saying: "They initiated the violence. We made every possible effort to avoid this incident," Netanyahu's spokesman Mark Regev said.
"Unfortunately they were attacked with deadly force by the people on the boats."
According to Channel 10 television, 19 passengers were killed and 36 wounded in the confrontation, although the Israeli army gave a toll of 10.
The IHH, a Turkish NGO involved with the flotilla, put the toll at least 15, saying most of them Turkish nationals.
Israel's military top brass said the violence had been limited to the Turkish passenger boat, the Mavi Marmara, with Navy chief Admiral Eliezer Marom saying his troops "had acted with extreme restraint" in a very dangerous situation.
"The result of 10 deaths could have been far worse had the soldiers acted differently," Marom told reporters at the defence ministry in Tel Aviv, saying that troops had only been pushed to use live fire on board the Mavi Marmara.
"On none of the other five ships was live fire required in order to stop the flotilla."
During the operation, "10 people who attacked our soldiers were killed and dozens more were wounded," Maron said, noting that all the injured were taken to hospitals in Israel by air force helicopters.
Ten naval commandos were also wounded in the clashes, two of whom were said to be severely injured, while another three were in moderate condition.
Despite the admiral's remarks, organisers say the Greek passenger ship, Sfendoni, also came under fire from Israel troops.
Hours after the confrontation, the Sfendoni and another ship were seen being towed by the navy into the southern port of Ashdod, a correspondent said.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas slammed the navy raid as "a massacre" and announced a three-day mourning period. His Palestinian Authority also called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Israel's Arab community called a general strike in response to an Israeli naval operation and called for protests across the country against the bloody attack.
And Ismail Haniya, prime minister of the Islamist Hamas movement which controls the Gaza Strip called on the Palestinian Authority "to halt negotiations, direct or indirect, with Israel because of this crime".
The ships, carrying more than 700 passengers, were on the last leg of an aid mission to deliver some 10,000 tonnes of supplies to Gaza, which has been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007.
Israel had warned the attempt to break the Gaza blockade was illegal and that it would intercept the ships, tow them to the Ashdod port and detain the activists before deporting them.

Coaster callers to the port included ANKE ANGELA and ARUNDO

Traffic in the bay included RED DUCHESS , MARUS , SOUL SOUND , RMS LAAR , ARKLOW REBEL and the sailing ships ARTEMIS and LORD NELSON.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawlers BRIDGET CARMEL and MARY KATE.

T BURKE the BIM inshore research vessel completed work and left the harbour during the week.

CELTIC VOYAGER continued her survey work off the Coast during the week.

The 2010 Wicklow Regatta Festival was offically launched on Thursday , the raft race will return as DPD Wicklow are to sponsor the event

Press reports

On Saturday Sky News covered the 70th Anniversary ceremony at Dunkirk to remember the 'Little Ship's' , that helped in the evacuation of 300,000 BEF troops from Dunkirk in 1940. The 'little Ship's ' consisted of all types of pleasure craft that responded to the call to get to France and rescue soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk. Some of the veterans  at the ceremony spoke of the horror on the beaches as they waited in vain to get onto boats while under constant attack. For the ceremony flags from all sides flew to remember all who fell on the beaches 70 years ago. For more details of the 'Little Ships' click here

Coaster callers to the port included the FEHN CALAIS

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL , the mussel trawlers RONA , MYTILLUS , CELTIC HARVESTER , EMERALD GRATIA , EX MARE GRATIA and MARIA LENA. The EDENVALE and JANNA anchored off the murrough.

Island Shipping's new launch ISLAND FLYER returned from Arklow.

Traffic in the bay included the tug BREEDBANK with a barge in tow for Cork , ALTELAND , CHARLOTTE BORCHARD , MARUS , MAZARINE and BG DUBLIN.

Work continues on the South Quay walls.

Helicopter traffic included a Bell Jet Ranger

Arklow

Vessels noted in the port included the HUSKY and WILFREEDOM.

The Belgian beam trawler VAN EYCK was also noted .

Coaster callers to the port included the UNION SATURN

Traffic in the bay included the supply tug VOS RAASAY , CORAL SEA , CELTIC FREEDOM , SEA RUBY , PEREGRINE , RBD BOREA , UBC BALBOA , ARKLOW FORTUNE, SOUL SOUND and VESPERTINE.

Visitor's to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL and the BIM research vessel T BURKE.

Reseach vessels CELTIC VOYAGER and T BURKE were working in the bay during the week.

Press clippings

Friday in the Papers -  The crew of the Gaza aid ship RACHEL CORRIE ex LINDA were told to paint the vessel yesterday after authorities refused to let them sail because of the large Irish tricolour painted onto its side at Dundalk.The flag breached the Mercantile Marine Act 1955 because the ship could be perceived to be Irish when it was, in fact, Cambodian registered.Derek Graham of Friends of Gaza  said it was his idea to paint the sides in the Irish colours “because in World War II it was done to show that the vessel was from a neutral country.“This aid is coming from a neutral country to help people who need it. I also thought it might help the Irish economy by promotinIreland in the Middle East.”Yesterday a spokeswoman for the Department of Transport confirmed a port state control officer from the Marine Survey Office had re-inspected the vessel and that the flag was in direct contravention of the legislation as it was not an Irish vessel.It will now be used to try and break the blockade of Gaza and bring in vital supplies to the Palestinians living there.

Visitor's to the port included BRIDGET CARMEL and the mussel trawlers EMERALD GRATIA and WINGS of the MORNING

Mussel trawlers MYTILLUS and WINGS OF THE MORNING were working in the area during the week.

Work on replacing walls on the South Quay has started , the project is expected to last a few months.

Wicklow Rowing Club skiff crews were out training during the week.

The reserch vessel CELTIC VOYAGER was working in the bay during the week.

Traffic in the bay included RED DUCHESS , SOUL SOUND , FEED TRONDHEIM , DANA GOTHIA , ICE RUNNER , WEC VAN GOGH ,ENCOUNTER and MAZARINE.

Arklow

Vessels noted in the port during the week included the tugs HUSKY and WILLFREEDOM and workboats WINDCAT 2 and WINDCAT 4.

Coaster callers to the port included the SCOT ISLES and LEONA

Traffic in the bay included the Dutch Frigate HNLMS DE ZEVEN PROVINCIEN , MARUS , LOUISE RUSS ,SOUL SOUND , MAZARINE , the small liner OCEAN NOVA , FEED TRONDHEIM and SAMSKIP PIONEER.

Visitor's to the port included the Beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL and the cruiser ROGUE TRADER

Aviation traffic included a Air Corp EC-135 helicopter

The Port Access Road was offically opened on Thursday afternoon by Minister Noel Dempsey , The 4.4km two-lane carriageway includes a 130-metre three-span bridge crossing the Broadlough Estuary at the Murrough.The project along with the relief road cost in the region of  €65m .

Arklow

Island Shipping tug and WILFREEDOM were noted at Arklow during the week with the jack up rig ARAN 25 , they are working on one of the wind turbines at the windfarm offshore. 

The 2010 Celtic Challenge from Arklow in Co Wicklow to Aberystwyth in Wales Saturday 1st May 2010

Twelve Irish women will make sporting history this week when they become the country’s first ladies’ rowing crew to race across the Irish sea.
The Celtic Challenge from Arklow in Co Wicklow to Aberystwyth in Wales takes place on Saturday and the women from Arklow Rowing Club are in the final days of training for the gruelling 90-mile feat.
Classed as the world’s longest sea rowing race, crews from Wales, England, Ireland and as far afield as Germany compete in the biennial marathon with up to 17 hours at sea.
Ranging in age from 20 to over 50 the women have been balancing family and work life with the rigours of intensive, almost daily training since last summer.

The Celtic Challenge is the World's Longest true rowing race where teams race from Arklow in County Wicklow, Ireland to Aberystwyth on the Welsh coast, a distance of about 90 nautical miles. Celtic and Pembrokeshire longboats take part (and occasionally other similar boats also join in) – each boat is about 24 feet (8m) long and has 4 fixed seats and one cox. Each team doing the Celtic Challenge consists of 12 people who take it in turns to row, spending the time in between on a support boat. A small inflatable is generally used to transfer people between the support boat and the rowing boat. How often teams swap rowers and how people are utilised is all part of the tactics of the race.The race is an extreme test of endurance and generally takes between 15 and 24 hours, depending on the weather. The race usually starts in the afternoon with all the teams rowing throughout the night and sometimes arriving in Aberystwyth very early in the morning! The race happens every 2 years and will next take place on the weekend of 30th April-3rd May, with the exact race window depending on weather.

Maritime Press clippings

An oil slick the size of Ireland is threatening to cause a catastrophic environmental disaster off the US coast.Experts said a series of leaks from a ruptured BP well were pumping 5,000 barrels a day into the Gulf of Mexico and could cause the worst offshore spill in history.The crisis escalated yesterday when officials realised that five times as much oil as previously thought was leaking from beneath the site where a rig exploded and sank last week.The US military joined the British energy giant in what was being described as the biggest containment operation ever, involving dozens of ships and aircraft.The spill was expected to hit the coast of Louisiana today where around 40pc of the nation's wetlands are found and there are important spawning grounds for fish and birds.Other states including Mississippi , Alabama and Florida.could also be badly hit. The spill followed an explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, leased by BP, on April 20 in which 11 workers are presumed to have died. The rig sank two days later some 50 miles off the coast. 

An Air Corps aircraft was forced to make an emergency on Wednesday morning after smoke was discovered in its cabin.The CASA aircraft, which had been on maritime patrol off the south-west coast, was diverted to Kerry Airport at about 10.55am.A specialist team was deployed from Baldonnel in Dublin to carry out a technical examination of the aircraft, which landed without incident.A Defence Forces spokesman said all six crew were safe and well.

Coaster callers to the port included the WILSON GRIMSBY

Wicklow Rowing Club skiffs were out training in the bay during the week.

Traffic in the bay included GRANUAILE , LE ROISIN , SOUL SOUND , ARKLOW ROSE , PALANTINE , BRO DESIGNER , RMS VOERDE , MARUS , INDEPENDANT , TORRENT , CHARLOTTE BORCHARD and the liner GRAND PRINCESS out of Dublin for Cobh.

Visitor's to the port included the Beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

Aviation traffic over Wicklow Skies got back to normal during the week after volcanic ash covered Europe, helicopter traffic along the Coast included a Robinson R44 , Bell 222 , Agusta 109 and the Coast Guard s61n rescue helicopter.

Arklow Port

The tug MTS VENGEANCE arrived during the week with a Jack up rig , Island Shippings HUSKY will be working with the rig at the Windfarm in the coming weeks.

Galway Harbour

Vessels noted in the port over the weekend included the Aran Island ferry BLATH Na MARA and the coaster BERTHOLD K .

Maritime Press clippings

The 2010 Round Ireland Sail Fest will take place at Wicklow Harbour from 8th to 20th June.

An Arklow man has found part of a boat possibly dating back to the Viking period , the boat was found on the bank of the River Avoca , its believed that the flooding in January uncovered the boat, the National Museum was contacted and expected to view the find.

Visitor's to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

Wicklow Rowing Club skiffs were out training in the bay during the week.

Island Shipping's tug HUSKY arrived back from Arklow on Friday after a refit.

The relief lifeboat RNLB GEORGE GIBSON launched on her first excercise on Sunday Morning.

Work is to commence to repair and replace sections of the South Quay in the coming months , a crane arrived during the week in preparation.

The Port access road and bridge project is nearing completion and should open soon.

Wicklow Sailing Club will host the 2010 Round Ireland Yacht Race in June , the Club are charting at a Corby 45 super yacht to enter the race called The Pride of Wicklow , the crew are looking for sponsors click here to visit their website.

Traffic in the bay included the P&O Liner ORIANA out of Dublin for Cork , RED DUCHESS , COASTAL SOUND , FINGAL , FLINTERZEE , ENCOUNTER , VESPERTINE and the bulker TUPI MAIDEN

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY continued operations off the Wicklow Coast up to Tuesday , she then departed South while the tug NOMAD which was acting as Guard ship went North.

Sincere condolences to the families of the 2 men who died in a aviation accident at Powerscourt on Saturday afternoon.

Irish Airspace was closed to all commerical traffic on Thursday as volcanic ash from Iceland crossed Europe and posed a danger to jet aircraft. On Saturday there was a lot of light aircraft operating out of Newcastle , a small private jet went north at low altitude , a S-76 helicopter went out over the sea towards Wales at teatime.

Maritime Press clippings

Ferry Companies on the Irish Sea reported a huge increase in passenger numbers using all routes as commerical aircraft are grounded due to volcanic ash.

Visitor's to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL and the Belgian trawler STORMVOGEL .

Traffic in the bay included BRO DELIVERER , BG FELIXSTOWE , FINGAL , IRENE THERSEA , TORRENT , SARDAUNA and THEODORA.

Aviation traffic included the Coast Guard s61n helicopter on a training flight in the bay.

Wicklow RNLI lifeboat ANNIE BLAKER departed for Great Yarmouth on Friday afternoon for a refit , while she is away the GEORGE GIBSON will provide cover .

Maritime Press clippings

According to media reports test drilling for oil will commence in the near future in shallow waters off the Coast of Dublin.

l also read an article saying the harbour development at Greystones will take longer to complete due to the downturn in the economy and some phases of the project might not go ahead..

Coaster callers to the port included the SCOT ISLES

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL and yachts from the UK and Poolbeg .

There was a good variety of traffic in the bay during the week , some of the notable were the research vessel CEFAS ENDEAVOUR northbound , the new Ro/Ro VESBERTINE bound for Dublin, the Navel Patrol vessel LE ORLA northbound and the CIL tender GRANUAILE southbound for Roosslare.

Wicklow Rowing Club crews commenced training for East Coast Regatta's over the Easter weekend

The RNLI relief fleet Tyne Class lifeboat RNLB GEORGE GIBSON arrived from Wales on Easter Sunday shortly before 6pm, she will cover while the RNLB ANNIE BLAKER goes for refit.

Arklow

The research vessel CORYSTES was noted at anchor off the port during the week..

Island Shippings tug HUSKY is still on the slip in the port.

Maritime Press clippings

The Goverment announced during the week that the proposal to cut Waterford SAR helicopter operations to day time cover will not go ahead and 24 hour cover will continue into the future , there was huge public outcry in the South East when it was announced including a Facebook campaign  , the news that the service would continue 24/7 was welcomed.

The coaster MV LINDA which had been detained at Dundalk since last Summer was sold during the week , its a now common plight for mariners to be stranded without pay far from home ,  the vessel was sold to help pay the arrears to the crew . The new owners are organisation called 'Free Gaza Movement' , It will now be used to try and break the blockade of Gaza and bring in vital supplies to the Palestinians living there. Its expected that the ship will be renamed RACHEL CORRIE. read more here

Coaster callers to the port included the new UNION DIAMOND making her first call to Wicklow and SCOT ISLES

Traffic sightings included the containership MARUS , Arklow Shipping's new F' Class ship ARKLOW FALCON ,CIL tender GRANUAILE and the small coaster CEMENTINA Southbound on Saturday morning out of Dublin with a cargo of cement.Other traffic included HELEN , RED DUCHESS and the Ro/Ro NORCAPE bound for Dublin , she would be best remembered as the former B&I line TIPPERARY.

The Beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL called to the port during the week after a few days fishing in the Irish Sea.

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY continues operations off the Wicklow Coast , the tug NOMAD is guardship.

Aviation traffic over the bay included a Air Corp PC-9 and Defender Aircraft as well as the Coast Guard s61 Rescue helicopter on a training flight.

Arklow

Vessels noted in the port during the week included Island Shipping's HUSKY on the slip and the Companies new 'Lochin 40' now renamed , more details soon.

Maritime Press clippings

There was a good photo in the papers during the week of the 2 new Spanish tugs built for Dublin port , according to the report they have 50% more power than the tugs they replace.

The National Papers reported that a Facebook page set up to oppose the Waterford SAR helicopter proposal has had many thousands of people joining the site , if you would like to sign an online petition against the proposal to downgrade Waterford SAR to daylight hours only in the future .

President Mary McAleese embarked on a 5 day offical visit to Turkey.President McAleese paid a visit to Gallipoli to commemorate over 3,000 Irish soldiers who died in the British Army in WWI.The President said she hopes a joint British-Irish commemoration to mark the Gallipoli landings will be possible on the centenary of the engagement in five years' time.She was speaking during a visit to a cemetery there where many Irish remains lie. The Gallipoli campaign took place at Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey from 25 April 1915 to 9 January 1916, during the First World War. A joint British and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottomen capital of Istanbul ,and secure a sea route toRussia .The attempt failed, with heavy casualties on both sides including many brave Irishmen.

President 

Coaster callers to the port included the new UNION DIAMOND making her first call to Wicklow and SCOT ISLES

Traffic sightings included the containership MARUS , Arklow Shipping's new F' Class ship ARKLOW FALCON ,CIL tender GRANUAILE and the small coaster CEMENTINA Southbound on Saturday morning out of Dublin with a cargo of cement.

The Beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL called to the port during the week after a few days fishing in the Irish Sea.

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY continues operations off the Wicklow Coast , the tug NOMAD is guardship.

Aviation traffic over the bay included a Air Corp PC-9 and Defender Aircraft as well as the Coast Guard s61 Rescue helicopter on a training flight.

Arklow

Vessels noted in the port during the week included Island Shipping's HUSKY on the slip and the Companies new 'Lochin 40' now renamed , more details soon.

Maritime Press clippings

There was a good photo in the papers during the week of the 2 new Spanish tugs built for Dublin port , according to the report they have 50% more power than the tugs they replace.

The National Papers reported that a Facebook page set up to oppose the Waterford SAR helicopter proposal has had many thousands of people joining the site , if you would like to sign an online petition against the proposal to downgrade Waterford SAR to daylight hours only in the future click here 

President Mary McAleese embarked on a 5 day offical visit to Turkey.President McAleese paid a visit to Gallipoli to commemorate over 3,000 Irish soldiers who died in the British Army in WWI.The President said she hopes a joint British-Irish commemoration to mark the Gallipoli landings will be possible on the centenary of the engagement in five years' time.She was speaking during a visit to a cemetery there where many Irish remains lie. The Gallipoli campaign took place at Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey from 25 April 1915 to 9 January 1916, during the First World War. A joint British and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottomen capital of Istanbul ,and secure a sea route toRussia .The attempt failed, with heavy casualties on both sides including many brave Irishmen.

President 

Coaster callers to the port included MONICA

Traffic sightings in the bay included the new Royal Navy Class 45 Destroyer HMS DARING on Monday Morning heading South after a 4 day visit to Dublin , she was followed a short time later by LE NIAMH on operational duties. The RMS RAHM was noted along with the SOROMOVSKIY 3055 the same day , GRANUAILE passed northbound for Dun Laoghaire on St Patricks Day, while ARKLOW REBEL and ARKLOW RAMBLER were noted southbound on Friday.

BRIDGET CARMEL visited the port during the week, the beam trawler is a regular visitor to the port and long may it continue..

The Parade on Saint Patrick's Day had a good maritime flavour with the Sailing Club , Rowing Club and RNLI taking part.

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY continues operations off the Wicklow Coast .

The whelk fleet continue to land catches each day for export worldwide.

Maritime Press clippings

l watched a report on RTE tv news on Monday saying the Goverment are considering down grading Waterford helicopter SAR to day light only operations in the future !!, the other 3 locations at Dublin,Sligo and Shannon would contine 24 hour cover , the proposal will save one million euro a year , 

Coaster callers to the port included SCOT VENTURE

Traffic sighting's included the tug SEA TROGAN towing the ex CIL lightship GANNET south to new owners in Essex , GRANUAILE , RMS BUCHOLZ , TARNBIS , STEFANIA , CEFAS ENDEAVOUR , FRISIUM , LOUISE RUSS , SAMSKIP PIONEER , WEC VAN GOGH , UNION SATURN , SOUL SOUND , VELOX , TORRENT and HMS DARING.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

FUGRO SYNERGY continues operations off the Coast , the tug NOMAD is her guard ship.

The research vessel CEFAS ENDEAVOUR was in the area during the week.

Some RNLI lifeboats also passed through the bay during the week , saw a 'Severn Class' go south on Monday !

Bray 

The tanker CLYDE FISHER was noted at anchor North of Bray on Monday.

Arklow

The beam trawler MARY KATE was in port during the week.

Maritime Press clippings

The Cork - Swansea ferry service recommenced this week , as the JULIA began a service linking the Welsh port with Cork , well done to all concerned .

HMS DARING a new Royal Navy Destroyer paid a 4 day courtesy visit to Dublin over the weekend.  

Coaster callers to the port included the ARUNDO and CELTIC SPIRIT

Aviation traffic included an Air Corp AW139 helicopter over the bay.

Visitor's to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

Traffic in the bay included GRANUAILE , LE ORLA , LOUISE RUSS ,MAZARINE , the tanker AUTEUIL and the coaster SEA HAWK

The CIL tender was working in the bay on Saturday and went to anchor overnight.

Coaster callers to the port included the SCOT ISLES and ARUNDO

The search continued for the missing person during the week , Garda and Navy divers searched the harbour , again dispite a huge search no person was located.

Visitors to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL 

Traffic included the research vessel CELTIC VOYAGER , the car carrier EMDEN , LE ROISIN , ENCOUNTER , LOUISE RUSS and the Ro/Ro AQUILINE southbound for Lagos .A tug towing a vessel was also reported in the bay early on Saturday morning.

Aviation traffic included the Coast Guard helicopter and a Air Corp 'CASA' maritime patrol aircraft.

A huge search took place at Wickow harbour on Sunday morning after a man's clothes were found on the North pier , both of Wicklow's RNLI lifeboats were immediately launched , Rescue 117 from Waterford arrived on scene after 10am and conducted a search of the bay with the lifeboats , Wicklow Sub Aqua Club carried out a search around the North pier , while Shore units from Wicklow and Greystones Coast Guard  walked the Coast. In the afternoon the Garda water unit , Rescue 116 from Dublin and the Irish Navel vessel LE ORLA joined the search , navy divers searched around the North pier , the search was called off as darkness fell , it resumed the next morning and continued during the week.Dispite the large search the person was not located and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

The CIL tender GRANUAILE anchored in the bay during the week while working on navigational bouy's along the Wicklow Coast.

Traffic sightings included the containerships SOUL SOUND , DANA GOTHIA and WEC VAN GOGH , tanker ANNELEEN KNUTSEN , cago vessels VELOX , JEANETTE and EMMS SKY

Visitor's to the port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY was visible on the horizon during the week as she continues her work off the Wicklow Coast

Coaster callers included UNION SATURN

The CIL tender GRANUAILE anchored in the bay during the week while working on navigational bouy's along the Wicklow Coast.

Traffic sightings included the SCOT EXPLOPER northbound out of Waterford for Glasgow

Aviation traffic included an Air Corp 'CASA' Maritime Patrol Aircraft on Saturday morning.

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY was visible on the horizon during the week as she continues her work off the Wicklow Coast

Coaster callers included SCOT VENTURE and LEONA

Visitors to the port included the Beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

Traffic included SOUL SOUND and GRANUAILE

The GRANUAILE anchored in the bay on Friday night.

Aviation trafffic included a Air Corp EC135 helicopter and 172 light aircraft

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY continued to work offshore between the Kish and Codling light.

Maritime Press clippings

A fire broke out in the engine room of the cruise ferry OSCAR WILDE as she departed from Falmouth during the week , the ferry had just completed her annual overhaul , the crew tackled the fire and got it under control , and the ship was able to return to Falmouth. 

Coaster callers included FEHN CARTENA and ARUNDO

Visitors to the port included the Beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL

Helicopter traffic over the bay included an Air Corp EC135

Traffic in the bay included the Ro/Ro URSINE north for Dublin , the containership OELAND and the Survey vessel CEFAS ENDEAVOUR.

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY continued to work offshore between the Kish and Codling light.

Greystones

On Monday the Irish Navel vessel AISLING was offshore during the afternoon it looked like she was winch training with an Air Corp AW139 helicopter

Dublin Port

The port Company has taken delivery of a new Spanish built tug called SHEAKELTON

Maritime Press Clippings

There was some excellent pictures in the National press of a whale photographed off the Wexford Coast during the week

Coaster callers included RMS WEDAU

Traffic in the bay included PERSEUS J , BG DUBLIN , LOUISE RUSS , TORRENT and VELOX , 

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY spent a few days working off the Wicklow Coast between the Kish and Codling light.

Helicopter traffic included a Air Corp AW139 and a EC135

The 2010 Wicklow Sailing Club 'Round Ireland Yacht Race' will take place this year , check out the Club website in the link's pages for more details or click here

The new Port access road and bridge is nearing completion , and hopefully we will see it open this year.

Maritime Press clippings

A fledging Charity have plan's to convert a lightship into a sailing ship , click here for more details

Visitors to the Port included the beam trawler BRIDGET CARMEL , she was on RTE 1 television on the 6pm Angelus

The Irish Navel Patrol vessel LE CIARA anchored in the bay for a short time on Saturday

Traffic in the Bay included the CIL tender GRANUAILE , SAMSKIP PIONEER , PALENTINE and the coaster ZEUS

Aviation traffic over the Coast included a US C-17 transport aircraft on Friday at lunchtime out of Dublin airport

Arklow

Flooding occured in the town on Saturday , the bridge was closed to traffic for the day as the water levels rose. 

Maritime Press clippings

The biggest story of the week was the terrible Earthquake in Haiti , the Country which is no stranger to natural disasters suffered huge loss of life as the Earhquake Struck , Humanitarian aid poured in from around the World  , America sent a Air craft carrier and 3 amphibious helicopter carriers to help its Caribbean neighbour , they aslo pledged to send a  hospital ship .

The container ship BG DUBLIN on passage to Cork lost some containers off the Waterford Coast on Tuesday in bad weather , the Coast Guard reported that some of the containers had sank , the Navy conducted a search of the area ,one container was reported to have some toxic substance and people were advised not to go near anything that might be washed up on the beach.

A Spanish trawler sank off the South Coast during the week , the crew abandoned the vessel and were taken onboard a sister vessel , an Air Corp CASA Maritime patrol aircraft stood by the stricken vessel for a time , shipping in the area were alerted to the hazard , the trawler sank later in the day.

The crew of the yacht CORK CLIPPER had a lucky escape in the Far East after their vessel hit rocks while taking part in the Clipper Round the World Race.

Coaster caller's to the port included SCOT RANGER and RMS RATINGEN

Wicklow RNLI launched on New Year's Day for the Annual Service of Remembrance in the bay , the ceremony is held each year in memory of past lifeboat crew and all sailors from Wicklow .

Traffic in the bay included the coaster FLINTERBELT , Ro/Ro PALENTINE , car carrier EMDEN , CIL tender GRANUAILE , tankers CORAL MEANDRA and SUMMITY

The drill ship FRUGO SYNERGY spent a few days working off the Wicklow Coast between the Kish and Codling light.

The New Year begin's with a blanket of snow covering the Wicklow Coast  , it turns to ice disrupting travel during the first few days of the new decade , Coasters had to bring in extra salt from Spain tec.Temperatures dipped below zero in many parts of the Country . Its said to be the worst cold snap in decades.