Open verdict into death of diver

A BARRISTER representing an English company which manufactures diving equipment alleged to be responsible for up to 16 deaths, yesterday denied that their equipment was at fault.

AP Valves Ltd, which manufactures the computerised Buddy Inspiration system, was an interested party at the inquest yesterday into the death of Nic Gotto, a father-of-three who died within minutes of a planned dive on the Kowloon Bridge wreck off Castletownshend, Co Cork, on July 24, more than five years ago.

Evidence was previously given that 16 divers, using the same sophisticated re-breathing apparatus, died within the past five years. But, rejecting the claims, barrister Jim O'Mahony, for the manufacturers, said: "The deaths were accidents, caused by diver error." The inquest jury yesterday recorded an open verdict into Mr Gotto's death. Mr Gotto's widow, Rachel, said yesterday she was satisfied with the verdict.

Ms Gotto, whose daughter Nicola was born four months after her husband's death, said she will seek legal advice on whether to pursue civil proceedings. "The open verdict is applicable in the light of the evidence," she said. "It's been very traumatic for the past five years."

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said any conflict of evidence on issues relating to the death was not within the scope of the inquest.

She advised the jury of three options death by accident, misadventure or an open verdict. They returned the later verdict.