Severe weather conditions hindering radar use and the lack of a night-time helicopter on the east coast contributed to the death of a Wexford fisherman off Howth, Co Dublin, in 1995, according to the official investigation. He was Mr Timmy Currid.
The report on the loss of the Scarlet Buccaneer by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, which was published by the Minister, Dr Woods, yesterday, makes no specific recommendations. However, the principal safety improvements proposed by the investigator, including provision of 24-hour east coast helicopter rescue, have since been acted upon.
In a comment on the findings, the vessel's owner, Mr Kevin Downes, expressed concern about the weak nature of the light on the South Rowan buoy off Howth, and the positioning of the red sector on the Howth pier light.
The absence of line-throwing apparatus which might have helped the rescue of the crew is being addressed by the Department's Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES). All 50 coastal units, comprising 600 IMES volunteers, are now equipped with rocket-propelled line-throwing equipment. A new coastal unit at Howth is due.
Mr Currid was skipper and one of four crew of the 16-metre vessel, which ran aground while approaching Howth Harbour in the early hours of November 16th, 1995. Weather conditions were worsening at the time, with a north-north-east wind gusting force 7 to gale-force 8, and rough seas. Due to the vessel's position and the heavy sea and swell, the Howth lifeboat was unable to get near it from seaward, and there was no Air Corps night-time helicopter available at the time at Baldonnel.
An RAF helicopter from Valley in Wales arrived at 04.45 hours, one hour and 40 minutes after the first May Day call from the vessel logged by Dublin Radio at 03.05 hours. By this time, the crew had abandoned the vessel, which had broken up on the rocks. Two of the crew were washed ashore alive and one was rescued by the RAF helicopter. Mr Currid, who was also washed ashore, died in hospital.
In normal circumstances, the report says, the skipper could have been expected to make full use of radar as a navigation aid. One of the radar on board was working and the second was inoperable. But rain and high seas are likely to have caused heavy clutter on the screen, making it of little benefit.
Last year, the Minister established a medium-range helicopter on contract at Dublin airport - a move which had been initiated by his predecessor, Mr Sean Barrett.
Commenting on the report, Mrs Carmel Currid said that the extension of a helicopter rescue service with night-flying capability for the east coast and the setting up of LOST (Loved Ones of Sea Tragedies) was a fitting tribute to her late husband.
