'Complacent' attitude blamed for sea deaths

A complacent attitude at sea among men aged over 35 makes them the highest risk category among fatalities at sea this year.

According to statistics compiled by the Irish Water Safety Association, alcohol intake and failure to wear life-jackets are major contributors to deaths during water-based leisure activity.

The analysis in the current issue of Afloat magazine, the journal of the Irish Sailing Association, identifies a "complacent" attitude among men aged 35 over years as the common factor.

A rise in water-based leisure activity has been reflected in overall marine accident statistics over several years.

This year several experienced sailors were among the fatalities. The investigation into one of the worst incidents, the loss of four crew from the yacht Debonair which was in a collision with a container vessel entering Dublin Port on May 20th, is continuing.

Since early July, five men have died in boating accidents off the Cork coast, including former Aer Lingus chairman Mr Bernie Cahill.

Total statistics for the year are not yet available, according to the Irish Water Safety Association.

The analysis notes that some sailors continue to ignore the basic safety rules. It cites anecdotal reports of an increase in non-fatal "man overboard" incidents in D·n Laoghaire, Co Dublin, location of the State's largest marina.

"While none resulted in death or injury (other than to pride and a few race points), the dangers are obvious," the report says. "A crew member in the water could easily be knocked unconscious by another boat astern. Without a life-jacket, the consequences could be fatal."

Both the Irish Sailing Association and the water safety association predict that an enforced regulatory system will be in place for Irish water-users within the next decade. The extent of this depends on whether there is a change in prevailing "complacent" attitudes.

In France, vessels are charged for the expense of a rescue, the organisations say, while event organisers have been charged with manslaughter following fatalities in competitions under their supervision.

The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources has spearheaded safety campaigns with the Irish Coast Guard and voluntary organisations, such as the RNLI, in recent years.

Regulations have been introduced for juniors up to 16 years in relation to wearing life-jackets on motorised craft and the use of jet-skis.