A Department of the Marine investigation is under way into the circumstances which led to an accomplished yachtsman being swept overboard from his 30-foot vessel in rough weather off the coast of north-west Mayo.
Mr Jeff McLister (50), a veteran of a number of Round Fastnet races, fell overboard from his yacht Rondo at around 7 p.m. on Friday just off Erris Head.
His 19-year-old son, Mr Alan McLister, who was asleep in his bunk when a large wave struck, awoke to find his father missing and raised the alarm.
Ballyglass lifeboat was quickly on the scene, and three crew managed to get aboard the Rondo, a tricky operation as the yacht was in full sail without being steered. Mr Alan McLister was taken to safety.
Mr Jeff McLister's body was discovered, and taken from the water by Ballyglass lifeboat about 15 hours later, at around 10 a.m. on Saturday.
The body was then taken by a local undertaker to the morgue at Mayo General Hospital, where a post-mortem examination was carried out. The body was identified by a boyfriend of the deceased's daughter.
The deceased, a native of Co Tyrone, will be laid to rest in Mullaghmore Cemetery, Co Sligo, this week.
The father and son had set sail from Sligo on Friday.
Chief Supt Tony McNamara, secretary of Ballyglass lifeboat, described the loss of Mr McLister as "very sad and tragic".
He said the spot where the tragedy had taken place, just off Erris Head, was a very dangerous place, with deep water running very close to high cliffs.
The yacht stayed afloat throughout Friday night, and was taken in tow by Achill lifeboat on Saturday, before being taken to Ballyglass harbour.
The yacht was at anchor there over the weekend pending a technical examination by a Department of the Marine inspector.