A FATHER yesterday relived a boating accident in which his seven year old son died. Mr Anthony Byrne, of Muirhevna, Dundalk, Co Louth, told Dublin City Coroner's Court he and his son clung to a lobster pot marker buoy after waves sank a fishing cruiser, plunging all seven people on board into the sea.
Andrew Byrne (7) had been wearing a life jacket when the accident happened in Dundalk Bay on Saturday, September 15th, 1996. He died later that day in Dublin after being flown by Air Corps helicopter to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.
A jury of three men and three women recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Mr Byrne said a big wave threw aft seven people into the water and sank the boat. A crew member swam ashore and raised the alarm and four others followed. But Mr Byrne and his son Andrew swam towards a lobster pot marker to await help. They were in the water for more than a hour before they were picked up.
Dr Barry Kierce, pathologist said the child died from hypothermia and drowning.