Two investigations are to take place into the Dublin Bay accident in which three Dublin people returning from a night on the river viewing the St Patrick's festival fireworks died and a fourth man went missing at sea early yesterday morning.
Those who died in the 2.50 a.m. collision between the 67-metre ship Bluebird carrying a cargo of grain and the 30-foot private yacht Debonaire were the yacht's owner, Mr Mark Styles (39), Knocklyon Close, Mr Rowan Smith (47), Hazel brook Road, Terenure and Ms Eleanor Cullen of Foxrock. All three were married with children. One man, Mr Philip Daly (44), from Ballyboden, survived the accident. He was recovered from the water by a Dublin port pilot boat shortly after the accident and taken to hospital.
The air and sea search for Mr Glen Styles (42), a brother of the dead man, Mr Mark Styles, was suspended as light faded last night. Garda divers are satisfied the man's body is not on the submerged vessel.
The Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, promised a "speedy and thorough" investigation into the incident. The Dublin Port Company will undertake its own investigation, which may take several months.
The harbour master, Capt Bob Wiltshire, said yesterday's events were "a disaster" for everyone concerned.