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Skipper jailed over boat tragedy Skipper jailed over boat tragedy
(20 minutes later)
The skipper of a fishing boat which sank off the County Down coast killing two people has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.The skipper of a fishing boat which sank off the County Down coast killing two people has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Conrad Zych, 28, was sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court after he admitted the manslaughter of Conor Bogues, 24, and Donall Gibson, 22.Conrad Zych, 28, was sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court after he admitted the manslaughter of Conor Bogues, 24, and Donall Gibson, 22.
Zych was the only survivor when his boat, the Greenhill, hit rocks near Ardglass harbour in 2006.Zych was the only survivor when his boat, the Greenhill, hit rocks near Ardglass harbour in 2006.
Earlier this week, the Bogues family urged the judge not to jail Zych.Earlier this week, the Bogues family urged the judge not to jail Zych.
As skipper of the vessel, Zych should have been keeping guard in the wheelhouse but when the vessel hit the rocks he was helping Mr Gibson and Mr Bogues sort the catch out on the deck. Judge Hart said Zych had failed to ensure that a proper look-out was kept.
None of the men was wearing life-jackets. 'Neglect'
He said this amounted to "gross negligence and led directly to this terrible tragedy".
Judge Hart said the skipper's neglect of essential safety precautions could not be excused.
"That the failure to keep a proper watch is a not uncommon practice cannot exculpate the defendant from punishment, nor should it affect the nature of the punishment," he said.
"That is because it is essential for the safety and preservation of life at sea, particularly in the course of an occupation which is often dangerous, that high safety standards as required by law are maintained because the consequences of a failure to do so can have such tragic consequences."
Mr Gibson's body was recovered. Mr Bogues has not been found.
None of the men had been wearing life jackets.