Agency to examine disposal of trawler

Southards, an abandoned trawler-type vessel, had lain capsized at the entrance to the harbour slipway before its removal earlier this month. Following a meeting of Carrick Council’s Maritime sub-committee on Thursday, Councillor Noel Williams indicated that members were told the boat sank en route to Scotland.

Meanwhile, NIEA has confirmed it is “investigating allegations that the vessel concerned has been illegally disposed of” after being contacted by Carrickfergus PUP.

The agency previously advised council that any abandoned boats should be taken to a site with an appropriate waste management licence for dismantling in compliance with environmental legislation and a “detailed plan of work covering all stages of the operation would be required to ensure protection of the environment”.