DROWNING INCIDENT:FINE GAEL deputy Simon Coveney has called on the Department of Transport to introduce regulations to ensure small private boats are not overloaded.
The call comes after a drowning incident off the coast of Cork yesterday. A 62-year-old Swiss tourist died after a 16-foot punt he was travelling in with nine other men capsized during a trip to an island off Schull. It is not known whether the men were wearing life jackets.
Both the Department of Transport and gardaí have said they will investigate the incident.
Under the Pleasure Craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation) Regulations 2005, all those on board small boats must wear lifejackets. However, though there are regulations about numbers allowed on licensed passenger boats and ferries, numbers on private boats are not controlled.
Mr Coveney said boats are designed for a certain number of people, and that number should be adhered to. A person in charge of a boat should not take more than the boat allows, but in practice they often do, he said. "If you have a group crossing to an island and you're faced with whether to take them all in one trip or leave some and make the trip twice, people take a chance and pile in," he said.
"If there was clear labelling on a boat saying the number of passengers it allows, it would be easier for the person in charge to say no to additional passengers."
He said regulations should be introduced requiring all boats to be labelled with passenger numbers. There should be a legal onus on boat owners to ensure they do not carry too many passengers.
In a statement yesterday, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Noel Ahern said his department would be investigating the incident. He thanked the units involved in the rescues, in what he described as treacherous conditions. "The bravery and heroism of all who participated was outstanding," he said. "While it is tragic that there was a loss of life, an even more appalling tragedy was averted. Our sympathies and thoughts at this difficult time are with the family and relatives of the deceased."
He said he did not wish to prejudice the outcome of the investigation with any further comment.
A Garda spokesman said the punt was taken to Schull Garda station for examination. He confirmed an investigation would be launched.
A spokeswoman for the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) confirmed that a separate investigation would be carried out.
Irish Water Safety (IWS) has appealed to water enthusiasts to be vigilant. Chief executive John Leech said the public should be mindful of low water temperatures at this time of year.
He called on people engaged in water-based activities to wear life jackets. He said 85 per cent of drownings can be avoided with their use. "No matter what the aquatic sport or aquatic activity you're involved in, wear your lifejacket or buoyancy aid," he said.
Fatal journey at midnight
Thursday: Tour party arrives at Cork Airport from Geneva and makes its way to west Cork.
11.30pm-midnight: Party leaves Colla Pier, two miles from Schull, for holiday home on Coney Island. Engine breaks down. Heavy swell causes slack-bottomed punt to capsize. Friday-2am: Goleen Coast Guard and Emergency Services receives call shortly before 2am from Long Island. One of the men had made way ashore and called to house to raise the alarm. Emergency services make their way to scene.
3am: Helicopter from Shannon deployed but conditions are so poor its role is restricted.
3am-4am: Nine of the 10 men make way to Long Island. The 10th man's body found on the beach at Long Island.
5am: Baltimore Lifeboat brings men to Schull, where they are ferried to Bantry hospital.
6.15am: Dead man's body is taken to Cork University Hospital for postmortem.