Open verdict on college pool death

THE official opening of the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy, yesterday, coincided with an inquest into a tragic accident there.

An open verdict was returned by Cork City Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane on Michael Veale, aged 61, of 11, St Declan’s Road, Gurranabraher, Cork, who died after a fall into the pool on the October 24, 2005.

She said it was an open verdict because there was not sufficient evidence to record accidental death, and there was insufficient evidence to support death due to natural causes.

Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster had given evidence that the deceased, who was found fully clothed in the pool, may have had a heart attack before he fell in, or he may have fallen into the water and then had a heart attack.

He was seen face down in the water by colleagues and removed to the CUH where he died the following day.

The inquest was told that a policy was introduced to wear flotation jackets when working near the pool.