Lewis Mulhearn fishing captain dies years after Galwad-Y-Mor explosion

Lewis Mulhearn, 39, died unexpectedly at home in Weymouth, Dorset, last month.

In a statement, his family said: “We are so proud of his actions on that day, but he always said he was just doing the job he loved as a skipper, which was to look after the crew.

“Fishing was his life, and he was a devoted family man when he was home from sea.

“Sadly, on January 21, Lewis died as a result of the explosion. We are all totally devastated. We loved him and will miss him so much."

Mr Mulhearn's boat, the Galwad-Y-Mor, was pulling up a string of crab pots about 22 nautical miles north of Cromer on December 15, 2020.

The Galwad-Y-Mor, which operated across the North Sea before the explosion in December 2020 - Image: Supplied by Lewis Mulhearn (Image: Supplied)

The line came into contact with a German bomb that had lain dormant on the seabed for more than 80 years. It exploded, throwing the boat out of the water.

Mr Mulhearn took a blow to the head and suffered three broken vertebrae, a broken sternum, knee damage, a fractured orbital bone and multiple face lacerations.

Despite his injuries, he radioed for help and made sure his crew of seven were all able to get off the boat into a life raft. The crew all survived, although some suffered life-changing injuries, and Mr Mulhearn was later given a commendation for his bravery.

Damage to the wheelhouse after the explosion below the Galwad-Y-Mor - Image: MAIB / Crown copyright (Image: MAIB / Crown copyright)

He was awarded the Emile Robin Award in 2021 to recognise “his heroic and selfless actions in rescuing fellow survivors during this extremely perilous incident”.

A family announcement described Mr Mulhearn as the “loved husband of Jodie, loving dad of Frankie, Lewie and Reggie and stepdad to Kia and Will. 

“He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.”