The Marine Casualty Investigation Board has recommended that people taking to boats on open water should be far more qualified in navigation, seamanship and survival than at present.
A minimum equipment standard should also be established for all pleasure craft, and it should be monitored, the investigation board has said in its report on the loss of a sea angler off Co Kerry last year.
The investigation into the death of Mr Timothy Ward of Tralee, Co Kerry, in Brandon Bay on September 23rd, 2003, found that his two companions in a 4.6 metre boat could have lost their lives also if it had not been for the fast response of several onlookers. Mr Ward had set out with a friend and neighbour, Mr John Callaghan, and a nephew, David Ward, for a sea angling trip off the beach at Fermoyle House in Brandon Bay when the accident occurred.
Mr Ward had been a sea angler for 15 years and was the most experience of the three, although he could not swim. His nephew David, was physically fit and a good swimmer.
Launching the boat required pushing it out into the swell and boarding it while it was under way, but the craft was subjected to violent motion. Ward and Callaghan decided to return ashore. Halfway through the boat capsized, throwing all three into the water. None of the three was wearing lifejackets.
Mr Callaghan and Mr Ward held on to the upturned hull, while David Ward was trapped for a short time underneath. Callaghan swam for shore to raise the alarm, while David Ward managed to extricate himself to join his uncle. However, both men found it very difficult to hold on, and at some point Mr Ward lost his grip. His nephew was unable to support him.
The board noted, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has introduced a draft code of safety practice for recreational craft.