Marine board proposes breath tests for crews

The Government has been called on to consider breath tests for boat crews following an investigation into a fatal collision in Dublin Bay four years ago.

Four people died when their yacht, the Debonair, with five people on board, collided with a large cargo vessel, the Bluebird, following the St Patrick's Day Skyfest fireworks display early on Sunday, May 20th, 2001.

The report into the tragedy, published today by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board, found the collision was caused because the crew of the Debonairwas not aware of the proximity of the Bluebirduntil it was too late.

As there was only one survivor on the Debonair, it was difficult to ascertain what happened directly before the collision, which happened without any forewarning. However, the board's view is that the helmsman was not monitoring and steering the yacht's progress.

The Debonairwas returning to Malahide marina, where it had a berth as the Bluebird, a merchant vessel carrying grain, was entering the port when the collision occurred.

Those who died were the yacht's owner, Mark Styles (39), of Knocklyon Close; Rowan Smith (47), Hazelbrook Road, Terenure; and Eleanor Cullen of Foxrock.

The body of Glen Styles, was recovered the following month by the Howth inshore lifeboat one mile east of Ireland's Eye.

One man, Philip Daly (44), from Ballyboden, survived the accident. He was taken from the water by a Dublin port pilot boat shortly after the accident and taken to hospital.

Post-mortem results showed death was due to drowning . However, toxicology reports indicated that all four victims were moderately intoxicated and the Deputy State Pathologist told the Coroner's court that alcohol levels present may have led to problems with co-ordination.

The MCIB report also calls for any new legislation to set maximum blood alcohol levels for seafarers on duty.

Today's report also calls for heightened monitoring of safety issues in the Bay and calls for regular meetings of all Port Authorities with Sailing Club Officers and other interested parties.