The remains of the French international yachtsman, Eric Tabarly, are to be returned to France this week, following positive identification in Waterford yesterday, writes Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent.
Dental records were flown from France to make the identification at Ardkeen Hospital, where a post-mortem was carried out. Mr Tabarly's remains were trawled up by a French fishing vessel west of Milford Haven last Friday, and were landed into Dunmore East at the weekend.
The French embassy has been in contact with his wife, Josephine, and family, and arrangements for transferring the remains will be private. Mr Tabarly is also survived by a 14-year-old daughter, Marie.
Mr Tabarly (66) won his first transatlantic solo victory in 1964. He went missing off Wales last month when he was knocked off the deck of his Irish-built yacht, Pen Duick.
The former naval officer set many sailing records. His century-old yacht was bought for him by his father.
Mr Tabarly had an inexperienced crew on board. He was changing sails in gathering winds when the vessel took a sudden roll. He was not wearing a lifejacket or lifeline in keeping with his "style of life", according to his brother, Patrick.