A man who was frequently exposed to asbestos while working aboard ships died as a result of this exposure, a jury at an inquest has found.
David Tighe (57), Nurney Lawn, The Donahies, Dublin 13, began working for B&I ferry company in 1968. Irish Ferries took over the company in 1992, and Mr Tighe continued to work for them as a purser officer until he became ill and was diagnosed with a tumour.
Dublin City Coroner's Court heard yesterday that Mr Tighe died on October 9th, 2004, at St Francis Hospice, Raheny, Dublin, from complications of a mesothelioma tumour.
Coroner Dr Brian Farrell told the inquest that scientific research indicated that in 94 per cent of cases this tumour was directly related to asbestos exposure. Lisa Tighe told the inquest yesterday that her father often mentioned that he had frequently been exposed to asbestos at work for B&I and later Irish Ferries, and this was a matter of concern to him.
"I worked for Irish Ferries for 13½ years and I was exposed too," she added.
The inquest heard that earlier in his life Mr Tighe had worked for the merchant navy and other shipping companies, and may have also been exposed to asbestos at this stage.
"Basically, his work was his life. He took his job very seriously," Ms Tighe told the court.
A jury returned a verdict of death by occupational disease.
Legal representative for Irish Ferries Colm Ó hOisin told the inquest that Mr Tighe was "a very well regarded and exemplary employee".