AN inquest into the death of the five Japanese fishermen who died at sea last Friday as a result of poisoning by freon gas which escaped from the refrigeration unit on their vessel, the Taisei Maru, will take place in Cobh, Co Cork, today.
Gardai have also taken statements from the 16 surviving crew members.
A full investigation will take place in Japan to determine exactly how the deadly gas leaked into the atmosphere. Freon gas is heavier than air and has a methane-like effect, leaving those exposed to it unconscious within minutes. It also causes damage to the brain and heart.
Yesterday, post mortem examinations were carried on the five crew members in Cork. It is understood that blood samples from the bodies were sent for laboratory analysis and the results will form part of the evidence at today's inquest.
The rest of the crew was given the all-clear by doctors at the Cork University Hospital yesterday.
