Truck Crash in County Donegal Releases Thousands of Live Crabs Along Irish Roadside
CARRICKMAQUIGLEY, Ireland — A truck carrying a large shipment of live crabs crashed into a roadside ditch in County Donegal early Wednesday, releasing approximately 15,000 crustaceans across the surrounding fields and roadways. The McLaughlin Transport vehicle was en route from Inishowen, where the crabs were caught, to restaurants and stores in Portugal when the accident occurred along the R238 road near Redcastle.
The driver escaped without injury, but the crash caused a significant spill of the $70,000 seafood cargo, which was stored in aluminum containers designed to keep the crabs alive during transit. The incident prompted a swift response from McLaughlin’s Light and Heavy Recovery Services, based in nearby Burnfoot, who were tasked with both righting the truck and retrieving the escaped crabs.
Company owner Odhran McLaughlin described the scene as “very unusual,” noting that many crabs had made a “bid for freedom” into the adjacent fields. A team of around ten recovery workers spent several hours manually collecting the crustaceans, placing them into large bags before reloading them onto the truck. The operation required the use of a crane to lift the truck and trailer back upright.
After approximately 18 hours of recovery work, McLaughlin estimated that about 95% of the crabs were successfully recovered. The effort underscores the challenges faced by transport crews when live seafood shipments are involved, especially in rural areas where wildlife can quickly disperse.
The crabs, harvested from the waters around Inishowen, are a valuable commodity for the Irish seafood industry, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy. According to the Bord Bia Irish Food Board, Irish seafood exports have seen steady growth, with live shellfish such as crabs being in high demand internationally.
Authorities have not reported any environmental damage resulting from the spill, but the unusual incident has drawn attention to the logistics and risks associated with transporting live marine animals. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine oversees regulations related to seafood transport and animal welfare in Ireland.
Local residents and motorists were advised to exercise caution while the recovery operation was underway. The R238 is a key regional route in County Donegal, connecting several coastal communities. The accident briefly disrupted traffic flow, but the road was fully reopened once the truck was safely removed.
Crab fishing is a traditional livelihood in Inishowen, with catches supplying both domestic markets and international destinations like Portugal, where Irish seafood is prized for its quality and freshness. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining supply chains for perishable goods.
For more information on seafood transport regulations and animal welfare standards, visit the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Transport websites.
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