Tuna Boats Shelter in Castletownbere

Picture above shows some of the boats tied up at the Pier with Gerry O'Shea (CTBere & Howth) in the foreground sailing his pleasure boat and taking in the colourful sights.

On Friday 24th August, 40 Tuna Boats from Spain and France availed of the safety of  the port of Castletownbere to avoid a storm that was brewing up further south.  At this time of the year, the tuna move further north - as the water gets warmer - so Castletownbere was the closest and safest place to head for.  The boats were painted in many colours - giving a beautiful sight along with their long lines hoisted up to their masts.

The crews mingled throughout the town and used internet access points to check up on their email, and weather forecasts and queues could be seen outside the telephone kiosks as they contacted home. 

On Saturday, they departed at about 7.00 pm to go back to the fishing grounds, but were alerted and found that the weather and sea was not calmed enough for them - so they all sailed back in again.  I unfortunately missed the photograph opportunity as they approached the harbour's mouth - if anyone out there has a photo of this - I will gladly publish it.

During the week, the crews could be seen along the shores picking periwinkles and other crustaceans, which they later cooked and ate to great satisfaction.  The storm blew up on Mon. night and by Wed. morning, the wind and seas had calmed to allow them back out to fish again.  They departed before most people were up and about. It has been some time since they have been in to port in such great numbers.

A wider shot of them at the pier.