TOBERMORY, Scotland — One scuba diver is dead and three other tourist divers suffered head injuries after their dive boat crashed into Calve Island in Tobermory Bay. Garry Henaghan, 44, of Cramlington, died last Monday from severe head injuries when the 21-ft high-speed rigid inflatable boat (RIB) he was riding in slammed into the rocky coast of the small island. It is not known if Henaghan was at the helm of the boat when the accident occurred. Witnesses said the holiday-makers had been drinking beer at MacGochan's pub until about 11:30 pm when they piled back into their boat and headed for Lochaline in light rain and flat calm seas. A few minutes later, locals heard a "tremendous bang" when the high-speed boat crashed head-on into the rocks of mile-long Calve Island, which shelters Tobermory Bay. The Coastguard scrambled a Royal Navy rescue helicopter from Prestwick and launched the Tobermory lifeboat, which brought the four men back to shore where Henaghan was pronounced dead. The other three tourists, aged 39, 41 and 49, were taken to Dunaros hospital and treated for head injuries. According to unconfirmed reports, Cormeton Dive Support, a BSAC "Premier" Dive Centre, was involved with preparations for the ill-fated dive trip. Strathclyde Police are investigating the fatal accident including allegations that the group had been drinking beer at a pub in Tobermory and were operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol. |