The family of Able Mechanic Robert (Robbie) Dean, who lost his life when he fell overboard from the LE Eithne last Wednesday, gathered at the Haulbowline naval base in Cork last evening to take part in a brief and poignant ceremony marking the return home of the vessel.
Mr Dean (20), of Hollyhill, Cork, fell from the ship as it was returning from the United States. Mr Frederick Dean and his wife, Eleanor, and their sons Fred, David, and Roland were at the quayside when the LE Eithne berthed.
They were met by the ship's commander, Cdr Jim Robinson; the flag officer commanding the naval service, Commodore John Kavanagh, and the officer commanding naval operations command, Capt Frank Lynch.
The family then went on board the vessel where a short ceremony took place. Prayers were led by Father Des Campion, the naval service chaplain who had travelled with the LE Eithne.
The ship was on a six-week tour of duty in the United States as part of the Tall Ships festival. Mr Dean had been in the naval service for just one year and friends said he had looked forward to his first sea trip abroad. Later, Mr Dean's personal effects were handed over to his family. It is understood he had been in good spirits and had sent messages via his family to friends in Cork shortly before he disappeared. He was due to report for watch at 4 a.m. on Wednesday last, and was seen just 10 minutes before by members of the crew.
When the alarm was raised on board the LE Eithne, the ship was some 920 miles west of Bantry. A full-scale sea and air search, co-ordinated by the Canadian coastguard in Halifax Nova Scotia, was launched. Weather conditions were described as favourable, but the search was called off within 24 hours.
The LE Eithne turned back on its course during the search, which involved a fixed wing aircraft and other vessels in the vicinity at the time.
It is understood that arrangements will be made at a future date, in consultation with the Dean family, for a full remembrance service.