Leisure boats ‘need tighter regulation’

A MARINE expert with 40 years’ experience said the leisure boat sector needs tighter regulation.

John Murphy, a shipwright based on Bere Island, Co Cork, repaired Mike Schmidt’s Castaway vessel three months before the fatal fire and raised concerns about wiring on the vessel.

Speaking after yesterday’s inquest, Mr Murphy said people can buy leisure craft and put them on the water without enough regulation or policing.