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.