A WOMAN who was found dead onboard a ferry travelling from Fishguard to Rosslare on Tuesday (Feb 25) has been named locally as 39-year-old Mary Cash.

Ms Cash, originally from Ireland but living in the UK, was reportedly travelling with family and friends to a funeral in Co Kildare when she was discovered unresponsive in a bathroom cabin on the Stena Nordica.

While her death was initially treated as unexplained, Gardaí now believe it to be a personal tragedy and do not suspect foul play. A post-mortem examination was carried out at Waterford University Hospital on Wednesday, but Gardaí have stated that the results will not be released “for operational reasons.”

BRAWL FOLLOWED DISCOVERY

Reports now indicate that a brawl erupted onboard following the discovery of Ms Cash’s body, leading to an emergency distress call from the ferry captain. Witnesses have described the incident as “extremely shocking,” with some stating that tensions escalated among a group of passengers, sparking a heated altercation.

A transport company owner familiar with the incident said a driver present at the time had observed members of the group behaving erratically before the incident, suggesting alcohol or drugs may have been involved. The driver also noted that a hearse was on board, indicating that the group was en route to a funeral in Kildare.

MAN RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGE

A man who was arrested in connection with the investigation has now been released without charge. A Garda Family Liaison Officer continues to engage with and support the family of the deceased.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed: “A Garda Senior Investigating Officer will now supervise the completion of an investigation for the purpose of a file to assist a Coroner’s Inquest.”

Authorities have reiterated that there are no separate investigations into any public order incidents aboard the vessel.

LARGE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Following the discovery of Ms Cash’s body, the ferry captain issued an emergency distress call approximately 30 minutes before docking. Armed Gardaí and officers from the Public Order Unit boarded the vessel upon arrival at Rosslare Harbour, sealing off the area as a crime scene.

The Stena Nordica was carrying a significant number of passengers at the time, including fans returning from Ireland’s Six Nations match against Wales.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Wexford councillor Ger Carthy said: “I think the reaction here locally was one of shock and indeed sadness at what transpired on board the Stena Nordica en route to Rosslare Port here and the tragic events that unfolded. The response by Gardaí and state agencies was second to none, with a large presence of specialist units and national ambulance services.”

FERRY DISRUPTIONS

Stena Line confirmed that services were temporarily impacted, with sailings cancelled following the incident. However, Rosslare Europort has stated that all services resumed on Wednesday evening and are now operating as normal.

A spokesperson for Stena Line said: “An incident occurred on the 2:00pm sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare. This is a police matter.”

Gardaí are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as inquiries continue.