LE Eithne captain gives evidence at murder trial

The captain of the Irish Navy flagship LE Eithne has denied that a young sailor who died after allegedly being assaulted and dropped from the side of the ship could not swim.

At the Central Criminal Court, Commander Eugene Ryan was giving evidence on the second day of the trial of Sean Lundon, aged 21, of James Connolly Park, Tipperary town.

Mr Lundon, the ship’s apprentice mechanic has denied the murder of fellow crewman, Brian Gorey, aged 21, of Devon Close, Castletroy View, Limerick, at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin on 22 April 2001.

In his evidence, Commander Ryan told Mr Brendan Grehan SC for the defence that he was aware the deceased had a difficulty swimming, but continued: "I’m not aware of the extent to which he could swim, but I am aware he passed his basic water confidence training".

The prosecution allege that Mr Gorey was assaulted and dropped from the side of the ship into the River Liffey where he drowned.

Mr Tom O’Connell SC for the prosecution has told the jury that evidence will show he was seen struggling in the water, and although a buoy was thrown to him, he was carried out to sea.

Commander Ryan disputed defence counsel suggestions that it should have been possible to rescue Mr Gorey from the sea after he was spotted shouting for help.

"Every situation is different," he said. "We would certainly have the boat to a person in minutes".

The trial has heard that the deceased and the accused had both left the ship on the night in question, returning from pubs in the city centre at 12am and 3.30am respectively.

It was close to 6am when Mr Gorey was seen struggling in the water by another crewman.

When counsel suggested to the captain that crewmembers were drinking in the recreational room onboard the ship until close to 5am, he said this was not the case.

"The bar closes at midnight, my understanding is that it did," he said.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Carney and a jury.