Tit Bonhomme 'had sudden change in direction', inquest told

The trawler had a sudden change in direction minutes before it crashed into Adam Island.

The Tit Bonhomme had a sudden change in direction minutes before it crashed into Adam Island, according to a marine surveyor who has been giving evidence at the inquest into the deaths of five of the trawler's crewmen in January 2012.

Owen O'Toole, who carried out an examination on the wreckage, told the hearing that the Tit Bonhomme had been on autopilot while travelling into the Harbour.

The vessel suddenly changed direction beside Adam Island.

He said it was highly probable that someone physically adjusted the course of the trawler rather than switch the autopilot off.

The vessel hit the island minutes later.

Earlier, Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster gave evidence of her post mortem examinations on four of the victims.

She concluded that their deaths would have occurred very quickly.

The coroner is expected to present a summary of all the evidence to the jury this afternoon before they decide on a verdict.