People who interfere with life-saving equipment near waterways were criticised by Offaly coroner Dr P. F. Grealy at an inquest in Tullamore into the death of a man in the River Shannon on June 3rd.
The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence of pathologist, Dr J. D. Gilsenan, that Mr Kieran Naughton (63), Cloonbeggan, Ballydangan, Athlone, died from drowning.
Dr Gilsenan said it was likely Mr Naughton had suffered a heart attack when his boat began to sink and he was thrown into the water.
Mr Mark Donegan, who had been fishing nearby, said he ran to get a lifebelt but was delayed in removing it from its housing because the box was full of rubbish. When he returned the man was still above water but made no attempt to reach the lifebelt.
