Drowned sailor was 'attacked on ship'

A 22-year-old sailor found drowned in Dublin’s River Liffey may have been the victim of an assault before his death, it was disclosed today.

A post-mortem examination showed Able Seaman Brian Gorey had marks on his head and body which were consistent with an assault, a spokesman for the Irish defence forces said.

The cause of death was drowning.

Detectives investigating his ‘‘suspicious‘‘ death have interviewed half the 63-strong crew on board the Irish naval vessel on which Mr Gorey served.

His body was spotted floating in the water beside the LE Eithne, which is docked at Sir John Rogersons Quay, early on Sunday morning.

It is believed a row broke out on the vessel before the discovery was made and it is reported that a pool of blood was found on board.

‘‘There seems to have been some sort of incident but it is under investigation by gardai,’’ said spokesman added.

Mr Gorey, from Limerick, had served in the navy for four years.