Pair found dead on boat on River Hamble had carbon monoxide poisoning
A new report's been released by the MAIB
Two men who died on board a boat in Port Hamble Marina in Hampshire suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, a new report has revealed.
The pair were found unconscious in the cockpit of the sports cruiser Emma Louise on the morning of January 12th last year.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has found that the men had left the boat's engine running the previous evening, likely to maintain power to some of the boat's systems.
The MAIB report said exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, were funnelled into the cruiser's closed cockpit and allowed to build up because of a lack of ventilation.
With no carbon monoxide alarm fitted, the pair were unaware of the levels of fatal gases present on board the boat, and were overwhelmed within minutes of entering the vessel.
Andrew Moll OBE, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents said:
“The accident onboard Emma Louise serves as another dreadful reminder of the danger posed by Carbon Monoxide and the speed at which damage to health and collapse can occur.
"With no CO detector fitted the two men were unaware of the danger and were tragically overcome within minutes of starting the cruiser’s engine.
"CO is colourless, tasteless and odourless and difficult for people to detect. It is essential that CO alarms are fitted in areas where carbon monoxide can accumulate such as the cabins and cockpits of motor cruisers.
"Never ignore the smell of exhaust fumes in any enclosed space.
"Boat users are once again reminded of the three simple but life saving measures that will help you to stay CO safe: install and maintain equipment properly; fit CO alarms and test them regularly; and always ensure there is adequate ventilation in the cabin.”