Hello Nan, that was very interesting, had not heard of it before and makes an interesting read. I see a Thomas Brew died in 1865 in Corofin registration district, unfortunately you cannoot view the certificate entry as of now, it is coming but you can order a copy for €4 online if interested, there is a legal version but this cost €20 and is no different information. All information on the site is free it is just the ledger link for some years is not yet completed, births from 1864 to 1919 and marriages to 1941 are there, death records from 1871 to 1969 I think.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/civil-search.jsp Civil records are for Catholics commenced in 1864. The church records on this site will not cover Clare as yet.
Not sure if he is you man but there are plenty of Brew people around and not just in Clare. This man was born circ 1793 so we are unlikely to get a baptism for him, you can see where most RC records commenced here https://registers.nli.ie/ not sure what parish you are inerested in.
I Googled the incident and found a report on the Irish Waterways site and interesting comments etc also there is a Kilrush History society who may have information and I also see there is a Facebook page on the incident with a link on the website here. https://irishwaterwayshistory.com/about/irish-inland-waterways-vessels/o...
Good Luck
Pat