Cork fisherman died after falling off ladder in 'one in a million' accident on vessel

Bantry Coroner's Court heard Des Hurley, 29, lost his balance while on a ladder in the accommodation deck of a family-owned fishing vessel after he went to retrieve a jumper

Desmond (Des) Hurley: Coroner noted there was 'strong circumstantial evidence' Des lost his footing on the ladder, sustained a neck injury and suffered cardio respiratory failure. File picture: RIP.ie

A young crew member fell off a ladder on board a fishing vessel, fracturing his upper neck, which led to cardiac arrest and instant death, an inquest has heard.

The Coroner’s Court in Bantry, Co Cork, heard Desmond (Des) Hurley, 29, lost his balance while on a ladder in the accommodation deck of a family-owned fishing vessel, the Breizh Arvor II, on December 14, 2023.