Wreckless driving by the Niamh Aine - Porturlin
A school of curious dolphins were attacked yesterday lunchtime by a vessel supporting Shell's offshore pipeline works in Broadhaven Bay at Glengad. The Niamh Aine - a pleasure boat hired to escort various work vessels around the area - drove across the path of two of the dolphins who were inspecting the Vlaanderen VII barge.
The barge was alone with the pleasure boat, but was unable to do anything as it normally works in tandem with the dredger, which was not present.
After driving at the dolphins and doing a circle of the area, the Niamh Aine and Vlaanderen VII both headed for Ballyglass Pier, their base-camp for operations. The Niamh Aine returned within the hour to scout the same location (carrying passengers without safety attire) and followed the dolphins away from the scene.
The barge and dredger returned and have been working on the offshore Corrib pipeline route since yesterday evening.
The Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Belmullet Gardai were all informed of the incident, which was closely witnessd by half a dozen people.
So far there has been no interest shown by those authorities, and Shell's actions in the area continue to operate entirely outside the law.