A WOMAN has been found dead in the toilets of a Stena Line ferry sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare, sparking a violent brawl and a major emergency response at Rosslare Harbour on Tuesday (Feb 25).

Gardaí have launched an investigation into “all the circumstances” surrounding the death, which occurred aboard the 2:00pm sailing of the Stena Nordica. Officers were called to the vessel just after 5:00pm when it docked in Ireland, where a man was arrested in connection with the incident. He remains in custody under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in the Eastern Region.

FATAL DISCOVERY

The woman, understood to be a 40-year-old Irish national, was discovered unresponsive in a toilet cubicle on board and was pronounced dead at the scene. She was reportedly part of a group traveling to Ireland. The circumstances of her death remain unclear, and a crime scene has been declared. Her body was not removed immediately, as forensic officers carried out investigations overnight.

An autopsy is being carried out at Waterford University Hospital, and Gardaí have confirmed that the results will determine the course of their investigation.

BRAWL ERUPTS ONBOARD

It is understood a “violent incident” took place onboard the ferry prior to its arrival at Rosslare. Approximately 30 minutes before docking, the ship’s captain made an emergency call as tensions escalated. Witnesses say a violent confrontation erupted among a group of passengers, with Gardaí forced to intervene upon arrival.

Armed Gardaí and the Public Order Unit boarded the vessel as soon as it arrived at the port, sealing off the area as a crime scene. A number of ambulances were also deployed to the scene.

A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the inquiry, and a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to support the deceased’s family.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

A Garda spokesperson confirmed: “Gardaí in Wexford are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman following an incident on board a passenger ferry en route to Rosslare, Co. Wexford this evening. Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly after 5:00pm and embarked the ship, which is currently docked at Rosslare Harbour. A woman was later pronounced deceased, and her body remains at the scene.”

The scene has been preserved for technical and forensic examination. The Office of the State Pathologist and the local Coroner have been notified.

LOCAL REACTION

Local councillor Ger Carthy, who attended the scene in his role as an ambulance officer, described the situation as deeply distressing: “There’s an air of shock and sadness here in Rosslare tonight over what unfolded on board the Stena Nordica. Regardless of the circumstances, at the centre of this is a woman who has lost her life, and the thoughts of the community are with her family.”

He praised the swift multi-agency response: “The speed and efficiency of the emergency services in handling such a serious incident show that the mechanisms are in place to react quickly when needed.”

SAILING DISRUPTIONS

Stena Line confirmed that services were severely impacted, with the 7:30pm sailing from Rosslare and the 1:30am sailing from Fishguard both cancelled as a result of the incident.

A spokesperson for the company stated: “An incident occurred this afternoon on the 2:00pm sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare. This is a police matter, so we are directing all further questions to the Gardaí.”

All passengers booked on the cancelled Rosslare to Fishguard sailing were accommodated by Irish Ferries on their 8:45pm service to Pembroke.

Passengers and crew members are expected to be interviewed as part of the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

WERE YOU ON THE FERRY?

The Herald would like to hear from any passengers on board the Stena Nordica during Tuesday’s sailing from Fishguard. If you witnessed the events or have any information, please contact our newsroom via Facebook.