4 ships out of operation because of crew shortages.
Declining numbers in the naval service is impacting its ability to carry out key roles.
The Irish Examiner reports a retention crisis is making it difficult to conduct search-and-rescue operations and sea fishery protection.
Time flows quickly as Naval Service tries to keep personnel numbers afloat https://t.co/fS7r3UaUFJ
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) May 22, 2021
The naval service is currently operating without four ships - the LE Eithne and LE Orla were taken out of operations in 2019 due to crew shortages.
The paper says a shortage of engine room specialists could tie up a further vessel or cut back on patrol hours.

Man Appears In Court Charged With Stabbing Of Woman In Waterford Church
Man Due In Court This Morning Charged With Serious Assault Of Woman In Waterford Church
Nationwide Hosepipe Ban In Place From Friday
Court Hears How Garda Was Left With Tennis Ball-Sized Lump On His Forehead After Assault In Dublin City
Man Appears In Court After Public Order Incident In Louth Yesterday
Osgur Breatnach's Wrongful Conviction For Sallins Train Robbery Declared Miscarriage Of Justice
Seven New Kildare Charities Registered Last Year
Man Arrested After Woman Stabbed In Waterford