Caitríona Lucas inquest: Rescue craft could have been on scene in 10 minutes if crew available
![Caitríona Lucas inquest: Rescue craft could have been on scene in 10 minutes if crew available Caitríona Lucas inquest: Rescue craft could have been on scene in 10 minutes if crew available](/cms_media/module_img/7739/3869920_1_articlesmall_SN.jpg)
Caitríona Lucas who died in a sea rescue mission off Kilkee, Co Clare in September 2016
Orla Hassett, who is Kilkee Coast Guard's deputy officer-in-charge (OIC) and a paramedic with the National Ambulance Service, also said numbers in the Kilkee unit had dwindled so much they had to seek help from “flanking stations” — including the Doolin unit, which Ms Lucas was a volunteer with.
Health and Safety Authority investigator Helen McCarthy also told the inquest that her employer had to seek legal advice before it could start its investigation, which delayed it by nine months, and she did not have immediate access to Ms Lucas’ personal protective equipment (PPE).
![Marine expert Michael Kingston with Emma and Bernard Lucas, the daughter and husband of Caitríona Lucas, at Kilmallock Courthouse for the inquest. Picture: Brendan Gleeson Marine expert Michael Kingston with Emma and Bernard Lucas, the daughter and husband of Caitríona Lucas, at Kilmallock Courthouse for the inquest. Picture: Brendan Gleeson](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7739/3869800_3_articleinline_Lucas_Inquest_at_Kilmallock_Courthouse_4b.jpg)
![The late Caitríona Lucas pictured here with her colleagues rescuing a dog from a cliff at Loop Head, Co Clare. Archive picture: Press 22 The late Caitríona Lucas pictured here with her colleagues rescuing a dog from a cliff at Loop Head, Co Clare. Archive picture: Press 22](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7739/3869917_1_articleinline_Caitriona_Licas_Inquest1_281_29.jpg)
![Marine expert Michael Kingston, representing the Lucas family at the inquest into the death of Caitríonia Lucas at Kilmallock Courthouse. Picture: Brendan Gleeson Marine expert Michael Kingston, representing the Lucas family at the inquest into the death of Caitríonia Lucas at Kilmallock Courthouse. Picture: Brendan Gleeson](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7739/3869803_3_articleinline_Lucas_Inquest_4a.jpg)
The inquest continues on Thursday.