On the night of January 30th 1990. A Spanish fishing vessel, put to Sea during a Storm Warning going aground on rocks on Roancarrigbeg in Bantry Bay. In response to the distress call LE Deirdre despatched Leading Seaman Michael Quinn and Able Seaman Paul Kellet in the ships inflatable Gemini to attempt a rescue of the Spanish Seamen. The conditions were extremely bad and the seas too rough so the Gemini attempted to turn back and was capsized by a large wave. Able Seaman Kellet made it to the rocks and scrambled ashore, but Leading Seaman Quinn drowned. Leading Seaman Quinn's body was recovered the next day. The Spanish Crew were subsequently rescued by helicopter. The King of Spain awarded the Spanish Cross of Naval Merit to Seaman Paul Kellet. The Dublin Branch of The Irish Naval Association in March 1992 renamed its branch Leading Seaman Michael Quinn in his honour .A Commemoration Ceremony and Wreath Laying was held in Drogheda on Sunday 27th January 2019 to mark the occassion.
See:- L/S Quinns Funeral
See:- Memorial unveiling
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Bryan GildeaPresident Irish Naval Association
This is my report Michael Quinn DSM Commemoration in Drogheda, A large group of Ex Vets paraded in Drogheda yesterday to Commemorate the tragic drowning of L/S Michael Quinn DSM The Parade was held in fine but cold conditions at the Comte plaque that was unveiled by our President Michael D Higgins. There were two Wreaths Laid on the day one in the shape of a Anchor laid by the President of the ONE Drogheda and one by myself on behalf of the INA .The following were in attendance Jim Faye and colleagues from the ONE ( Jim brought along a PA system that he had a recording of the Last Post / Reveille and our National Anthem on) John Joyce representing the UN Vets ,Erskine Childers Branch of the ONE, Royal Navy Association, some of the family of Michael Quinn, and of course the Irish Naval Association. Apologies were received from Paul Kellett DSM.
I would like to thank the following for their assistance on the day.
Color Party Peter Durnin and Alan Ryan. The Chairman of the Dublin Branch of the INA Brian Farrell who was also presented with a framed history of the tragedy by the Chairman of the ONE Drogheda Mr Jim Faye. This was the 29th Anniversary of the tragedy it would be nice if next year we had a larger turnout.
Bryan Gildea President.
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