Egyptian fisherman’s family settle High Court action

The family of an Egyptian fisherman who died when the Tit Bonhomme trawler sank outside Glandore Harbour, Co Cork have settled their High Court action for €262,700.

Wael Mohamed drowned, along with four others, including skipper Michael Hayes, when the Tit Bonhomme ran aground at Adam's Island in Glandore Harbour on January 15th, 2012.

In the High Court , Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told an action taken on behalf of Mr Mohamed’s widow and children had been settled without an admission of liability.

The sole survivor of the incident, Wael Mohamed's brother Abdelbaky Mohamed, had sued Caitlin Hayes , the wife of the late Michael Hayes, as a result of his brother's death.

It was alleged that there had been a failure to ensure that a distress call was made either immediately or at all, as well as a failure to navigate the ship in a safe manner. The claims were denied.

Rights waived

Hugh O'Keeffe SC told the court that Mr Mohamed's widow Neama Ahmed Mohamed and his two young children had come to Ireland for the case and that Abdelbaky Mohamed and the rest of his family had waived their rights in relation to the case in favour of the widow and her children.

Mr O’Keeffe told the court the vessel had originally departed from Union Hall, Co Cork for a five day fishing trip on January 13th, 2012.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Kevin Cross said it was a very tragic case where a number of people had lost their lives.