asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will publish the result of the inquiry held into the loss of the Sea Flower in Kenmare Bay, County Kerry; and if he will give details of the date on which and the venue at which this inquiry was held, of the personnel on the inquiry board and the names of the witnesses who gave evidence at the inquiry; and if, as the result of the loss of the Sea Flower and the outcome of the inquiry, he intends to take any steps to improve the rescue services off the Irish coast.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Kerry Sea Disaster Inquiry.
10.
Pursuant to the provisions of section 465 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, I have had a preliminary inquiry carried out by a marine surveyor of my Department into the loss of the Sea Flower. The statutory purpose of such an inquiry is to enable me to determine whether a formal investigation under section 466 of the Act is warranted.
The inspector who carried out the preliminary inquiry had available to him the sworn evidence given at the inquest into the loss of life. He interviewed and took statements from members of the Garda and local persons who were able to supplement evidence given at the inquest. He also obtained reports from the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre and the Meteorological Office and inspected the scene of the casualty. He had himself carried out a survey of the vessel shortly before the casualty and had found it fully seaworthy.
The vessel had put to sea despite gale warnings and local advice. There is no evidence to suggest that the vessel was not seaworthy in all respects or that there was any other cause of the casualty than very bad weather. I am satisfied, therefore, that a formal investigation is not necessary.
I can assure the Deputy that the adequacy and efficiency of the sea rescue services are kept under constant review. I have arranged for very early discussions between the various agencies concerned to consider whether any improvements are called for in the light of this tragedy.