Watch: Irish Naval Vessel LÉ Samuel Beckett Hits Dublin Quay, Suffers Minor Damage During Departure

An Irish Naval Service patrol vessel, LÉ Samuel Beckett, sustained slight damage after hitting a quay while departing Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin on Friday morning.

Video footage circulating online shows the stern of the vessel striking the south-side quay along the River Liffey.

The Irish Defence Forces confirmed that a damage survey was carried out and assessed that the ship requires minor repairs before returning to operational patrol duties.

The offshore patrol vessel was leaving Sir John Rogerson’s Quay when the incident occurred.

Footage shared on social media shows the vessel’s stern making contact with the quay wall on the south side of the River Liffey, which runs through central Dublin.

In a statement, Óglaigh na hÉireann said a post-incident inspection determined the vessel had suffered slight damage. The assessment concluded that only minor repair work is required.

No injuries were reported. Authorities have not provided a timeline for when repairs will be completed.

An Irish patrol vessel struck the quayside at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the south side of the River Liffey, Dublin. Still trying to figure out which vessel. pic.twitter.com/GkA3xRSLxb

— Bart (@BartGonnissen) February 27, 2026

Once repairs are finalised, the Defence Forces stated that LÉ Samuel Beckett will recommence Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO) patrols.

LÉ Samuel Beckett is part of Ireland’s offshore patrol fleet and plays a key role in fisheries protection, maritime surveillance, and security operations within Irish waters.

The ship regularly conducts Maritime Defence and Security Operations, including monitoring territorial waters and supporting national maritime security objectives.

The Defence Forces confirmed that the vessel will return to patrol duties once repair work is completed.

The incident occurred days after Ireland launched its first National Maritime Security Strategy. Earlier this week, Minister for Defence Helen McEntee visited the vessel at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay during the strategy’s launch event.

Irish authorities said they are increasingly concerned about geopolitical tensions and the safety of critical undersea infrastructure, including subsea cables in Ireland’s waters.

Ireland is also preparing to assume the presidency of the European Union in July. During this six-month period, the country is expected to host European leaders and ministers.

Recent announcements confirmed that Ireland will allow the Royal Navy to patrol its waters as part of enhanced naval cooperation between Dublin and London, particularly in response to potential threats to maritime infrastructure.

In December, heightened aerial security concerns were reported during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when multiple drones breached a no-fly zone and approached his aircraft before later circling an Irish naval vessel deployed in the Irish Sea.

References: RTE, Irish Times

Source: Maritime Shipping News