Inquest adjourned into death of fisherman

THE inquest into the death of an Arklow fisherman who died off the coast of Gorey was adjourned at last Thursday’s sitting of Wexford Coroner’s Court.

County coroner Dr Sean Nixon said 49-year-old Leonard Hughes of 29, St John’s Villa’s, Arklow, had died on November 16, 2016.

He said Mr Hughes’ body had washed up in Wales in January of this year and the main purpose of last week’s inquest was to issue an Irish death certificate. He said the death of Mr Hughes is being investi- gated by the Health and Safety Authority and the Department of the Marine.

Sgt Stephen Ennis said that on November 16, 2016, Mr Hughes had been a fisherman aboard the Kerry Heather which was fishing off the coast of Gorey at Kilmichael Point.

At around 9.20 a.m. Mr Hughes was struck by an item of equipment which was operated hydraulically and was knocked overboard. His crew mate Wayne Walker jumped into the water to attempt to save him but was unable to hold onto Mr Hughes. On January 11, 2017, Mr Hughes’ remains washed up in Anglesey in Wales and he was identified through DNA and dental records.

County coroner Dr Sean Nixon said that death was as a result of drowning and extended sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Hughes. He said the inquest would be reopened at a later te.

Inspector Clince and jury foreman Seamus Whelan also extended sympathy to the family on behalf of the gardai and jury respectively.