On February 25, 2025, a tragic incident occurred aboard the Stena Nordica ferry during its 2:00 PM sailing from Fishguard, Wales, to Rosslare Europort, Ireland. A woman sustained fatal injuries during a violent altercation involving a large group of passengers. Upon docking at Rosslare around 5:30 PM, the vessel was met by a significant Garda presence, including armed officers and the public order unit. A man was arrested in connection with the incident and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in the Eastern Region. The area has been declared a crime scene, and the woman’s body remains on board pending a post-mortem examination.

Details of the Altercation

Preliminary reports suggest that the fatality resulted from a violent, alcohol-fueled dispute among passengers. The exact cause and sequence of events leading to the altercation are under investigation. Authorities are conducting interviews with passengers and crew members to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Immediate Response

The ship’s captain issued an emergency call as the situation escalated, prompting a swift response from Gardaí and emergency services. Upon arrival at Rosslare Europort, law enforcement secured the vessel, ensuring the safety of all on board and preserving the scene for forensic examination. A Garda spokesperson stated, “A crime scene has been declared. While Gardaí conduct inquiries onboard, there are no public safety issues at this time.”

Impact on Ferry Operations

In light of the incident, Stena Line has canceled subsequent sailings of the Stena Nordica to facilitate the ongoing investigation. Passengers scheduled for these crossings are advised to contact Stena Line customer service for rebooking options or refunds. The company has expressed its condolences and is cooperating fully with authorities.

Community Reaction

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and among regular ferry passengers. Local Fianna Fáil councillor Lisa McDonald described the event as “dreadful” and “very shocking for everyone here,” extending thoughts and sympathies to the victim’s family. The tragedy has sparked discussions about safety measures on passenger ferries and the need for stringent protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

Ongoing Investigation

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry, with a Family Liaison Officer assigned to support the deceased’s family. The Office of the State Pathologist and the local Coroner have been notified, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The outcome of this examination will guide the direction of the investigation. Authorities have appealed to anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.

This tragic event aboard the Stena Nordica underscores the importance of maintaining safety and order on passenger vessels. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that clarity will emerge regarding the circumstances that led to this devastating loss of life, and that measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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