Canoeist death prompts calls to evaluate rivers

THE death of a young canoeist in Kerry has prompted calls for the Irish Canoe Union to issue guidelines on the proper evaluation of infrequently used river courses.

Deirdre Conroy was among a party of experienced canoeists who gathered at Cronin’s Yard, at the foothills of Carrauntuohil, Co Kerry, to kayak on the Gaddagh River on December 28, 2007.

On that date, a party of experienced canoeists gathered at Cronin’s Yard, at the foothills of Carrauntuohil, Co Kerry, to kayak on the Gaddagh River.

The party formed into two subgroups, and entered the river some distance above Cronin’s Yard.

Ms Conroy was in a group of five, that included a grade-4 instructor. She was an active member of UCD canoe club and was the club’s safety officer. She had been kayaking for three years and held a level-three proficiency rating.

Ms Conroy was using a creekboat belonging to the UCD canoe club because it was better suited to than her own boat for the white-water conditions that which were expected at that period.

A Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) report found that when the group arrived, there were no major obstructions. They were given a briefing on potential hazards.

The decision on whether to kayak or not was left up to each of the individuals in the groups, and one chose not to proceed.

The groups had an initial kayak that morning where they had some difficulties but were able to keep going. They discussed whether to kayak on or walk back to the original launch point. It was felt they had come through the worst of the conditions so they decided to keep going to Gaddagh Bridge.

However, as they moved round a bend, conditions changed dramatically.

The river was blocked by a dozen trees. The group tried to steer round or under but were all swept away from the kayaks. Ms Conroy became pinned under the branches of a fallen tree. One kayaker, Cormac Lynch, fought his way over to the side where she was.

However, in the minute it took him to get there, her head had gone under water. He managed to get himself above her and pull her face clear of the water using her buoyancy aid.

The group used a rope to free her. One member, a trained paramedic, began CPR and emergency services took her to hospital. However, Ms Conroy died that afternoon.

The investigation board concluded that while it would have taken several hours to review the entire course, some effort should have been made to examine sections of the river.

A local landowner could have told them that trees were obstructing the river but he was not consulted.

The MCIB recommended the Irish Canoe Union produces guidelines for members intending to kayak extended sections of infrequently used rivers which should cover the need for adequate preplanning and on-site scouting.

It also recommended that groups establish local contacts who can inform them of current conditions. And mobile phones in watertight covers should be carried to summon assistance.