Vol. 524 No. 5
132 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Defence the investigation that has been held into the loss of a seaman from the LE Eithne during a voyage from the United States in July 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22980/00]
The tragic loss of Ordinary Mechanician Robert Dean from the LE Eithne in Mid-Atlantic at about 0400 hours on 20 July 2000, whilst the ship was returning from the United States to Ireland caused great sadness to the ship's company of LE Eithne, to his comrades in the Naval Service and in the Defence Forces as a whole. I take this opportunity to express my sincere sympathy and that of the Government to the family of Ordinary Mechanician Dean on their tragic loss. Despite an extensive search his body has not been found.
A routine Garda investigation into the incident was initiated as soon as the LE Eithne returned to Ireland. This investigation has now been completed and a date for an inquest is awaited. A military police investigation is also being conducted and this is due to be completed shortly.
