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Glengad families due to get sea
tragedy report
10.03.09
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THE families of two
elderly Glengad brothers lost in a fishing tragedy
off the coast of Inishowen a year ago are expecting
the report from the Marine Accident Investigation
Unit shortly. Lobster fishermen Danny McDaid, 70 and
his brother Francis, 69, died when their boat, 'Strath
Marie', floundered in relatively calm waters near
the mouth of Lough Foyle on Friday, March 14, 2008.
The men who were both retired but who had years of
fishing experience between them, had been out on the
water that day as a favour. They were reported
missing around 5pm when their boat failed to return
to Bunagee Harbour near Culdaff. The tragedy remains
a mystery a year on. Francis' son Frankie yesterday
said the families were expecting to receive the
finished report from the Marine Accident
Investigation Unit within a couple of weeks.
However, he said it was feared the report may come
back inconclusive. |
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"I personally have not
been told that it is inconclusive but there is that
suggestion," said Frankie. "We'll just have to wait
and read the findings for ourselves whenever we get
the report."
The Marine Accident Investigation Unit yesterday
said the investigation was ongoing. An official said
while the unit always aimed to have a report
concluded within nine months of an accident
occurring, the timeframe sometimes runs over for
various reasons. The McDaid families understand that
the report will contain submissions from a wide
range of sources including the coroner and personnel
involved in the search for the two men.
Frankie McDaid said the families expected that the
report will be delivered to them in person by
officials from the Marine Accident Investigation
Unit. They also hope the inquests into Danny and
Francis's deaths can take place once the report is
published. Meanwhile, the two families are currently
preparing for the anniversary Masses at the weekend. |
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