Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 1

Written Answers. - Marine Accidents.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

122 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the details of the investigation into the sinking of the MFV Kylemore which resulted in the tragic loss of its skipper; his views on whether it is important to trace the cause of the accident in view of the fact there are similar boats in use around our coast and to confirm, in particular, that the boat, which is laying in 15 fathoms of water, will be raised so that technical faults, if any, can be traced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16696/00]

P. J. Sheehan

Ceist:

123 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the tragic loss of a Castletownbere fisherman, when his fishing vessel Kylemore capsized and sank recently; the action he is taking to raise this fishing vessel, which is lying offshore in 15 fathoms of water, in order to ascertain the cause of the accident, if possible, in view of the fact that similar fishing vessels are in use in that area and other lives could be in danger if the cause of the accident, is not identified. [16697/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

A full investigation into the recent capsize and sinking of the fishing vesselKylemore is currently being carried out under section 728 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, by a surveyor from the marine survey office of my Department. The purpose of the investigation is to try to establish the circumstances and cause of the casualty which resulted in the tragic loss of the skipper's life, he being the sole person on board, and to see what lessons can be learned to help avoid similar accidents occurring in the future.

I am advised by the chief surveyor from the marine survey office that divers from the Naval Service have already inspected the sunken vessel on the seabed and have reported back on the condition of the vessel as well as providing video footage for use in my Department's investigation. An urgent examination and assessment of this evidence is being carried out by the marine survey office and I have asked the chief surveyor to advise me of the outcome of this assessment as soon as possible.

The question of raising the sunken vessel can only be addressed if, as a result of this assessment, it is considered that such a course of action is warranted in order to ensure that the objectives of my Department's investigation can be met.