A 22-year-old sailor found drowned in Dublin's River Liffey may have been the victim of an assault before his death, it was disclosed today.
A post-mortem examination showed Able Seaman Brian Gorey had marks on his head and body which were consistent with an assault, a spokesman for the Defence forces said.
The cause of death was drowning.
Garda detectives investigating the death have interviewed half the 63-strong crew on board the naval vessel on which Mr Gorey served.
His body was spotted floating in the water beside the LE Eithne, which is docked at Sir John Rogersons Quay, early yesterday morning.
His body was brought to St James’ Hospital and a post-mortem was carried out by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy yesterday morning.
It is believed a row broke out on the vessel before the discovery was made and it is reported that a pool of blood was found on board.
"There seems to have been some sort of incident but it is under investigation by gardaí," said spokesman added.
Mr Gorey, from Limerick, had served in the navy for four years.
PA
