Drowned yachtsman not wearing life jacket
A 50-year-old yachtsman who drowned after he was washed overboard had not been wearing a lifejacket, a report revealed today.
James Francis McLister was sailing on his boat, the Rondo, with his 19-year old son Aengus last February when the accident happened off the coast of Mayo.
The Marine Casualty Investigations Board (MCIB) report found that when the 30ft yacht was provisioned only one lifejacket was placed on board.
“This was to prove to have disastrous consequences,” it said.
Mr McLister, who was originally from Tyrone but had addresses in London and Sligo, was an experienced sailor who had competed in a number of Fastnett Races.
He had planned to sail the yacht from Sligo to Dublin.
The weather conditions for the February 18 voyage were good at first but soon deteriorated and the yacht’s engine gave out.
Mr McLister and his son decided to reserve the engine for emergency use only but both men were experiencing sea sickness due to the movement of the yacht and the stench of diesel.
Aengus McLister became fatigued and exhausted and retired to his bunk, while his father remained at the helm.
The report stated that Aengus McLister was suddenly awakened that evening when the yacht rolled suddenly while it was north-west of Erris Head, Co Mayo.
“It was at that stage he thought he heard shouting and became concerned for the welfare of his father because he knew he was not wearing a lifejacket or safety harness.”
Mr McLister made his way up on deck in a disorientated state and thought he saw his father in the water some 150 metres from the yacht. He threw out a lifebuoy but it fell short and he lost sight of his father.
“Although the safety lines were rigged, James McLister was not clipped on; as a result he stood very little chance of maintaining his footing and increased the risk of being washed overboard in the sea and the swell conditions that prevailed at that time,” the report said.
The Coastguard rescued a shivering and shocked Aengus McLister from the yacht after being alerted to the situation but their search for his father had to be called off at midnight.
The body of James McLister was spotted in the water the following morning by a Coastguard helicopter.
The MCIB report recommended that lifejackets be worn at sea at all times, which is now a legal requirement, and that yachtsmen should be clipped on to safety lines in adverse weather conditions.
It also recommended that the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources introduce a code of practice for recreational sailors to outline safety procedures.
