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.

€1.2m Approved For Zipline And High Ropes Adventure Centre At Donadea
Christmas Appeal To Adopt Dogs As Euthanasia Figures Rise
Speed Enforcement To Increase In Kildare With 21 New Camera Zones To Be Rolled Out In January
Over 400 Motorists Caught Speeding So Far Today, Including A Driver In Kilcock
Transport Minister In Discussions With Irish Rail About Extending Late-Night Trains Beyond Christmas
Tadhg And Mary Should Be Looking Forward To Christmas, Say Gardai As Fresh Appeal Launched
Bus Shelters Treated As Luxury Rather Than Standard, With 500 Kildare Bus Stops In Need Of Upgrades
Recruitment Announcements Don’t Add Up As Garda Numbers Stagnant In Kildare South, Says Local TD