Legal News

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has launched an investigation after the owner of a motor cruiser was found dead on board the vessel at Cardiff Yacht Club with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning (CO).

MAIB is conducting a preliminary assessment of the fatal incident that occurred on the privately owned cabin cruiser Vasquez on Saturday 12 November 2016.

Shortly after midday, the boat’s owner was found collapsed on the boat – and despite the efforts of fellow club members and emergency services, he did not regain consciousness.

At the time of the accident, the boat was secured to a club pontoon, with the inboard petrol engine running and the canvas cockpit canopy fully closed, except for one zip that was undone.

The owner was discovered collapsed in the cabin approximately 45 minutes after he had started the engine – two club members boarded the boat and began to administer CPR.

Paramedics arrived and immediately recognised that the rescuers were displaying symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

They removed the cockpit cover and continued to administer CPR to the owner, who was transported to hospital, but was later pronounced dead.

Both rescuers were confirmed as suffering from CO poisoning and treated in hospital.

Initial MAIB tests showed high levels of CO inside the cockpit with the engine running. The boat was not fitted with a CO detector/alarm.

MAIB said that the investigation was independent of any investigation carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the police.

CO gas is odourless and colourless and is emitted by gas appliances, such as cookers, water heaters, boilers, and some engines. The gas is known as the silent killer because it is undetectable by smell, taste or sight – in cases where CO has been building up over time, sooty deposits may be seen above an appliance or round the edges of a ceiling.

The effects of CO gas include nausea, headache, dizziness and unconsciousness – in enclosed spaces, the gas can quickly render a person unconscious and death may result as oxygen levels in the body becomes depleted.

Where CO is suspected, it is advised to open windows immediately and call the emergency services to check any gas appliances or water heaters.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims

Duncan Lewis can advise those who have suffered injury as a result of CO poisoning caused by negligence on how to make a no win claim for compensation.

CO poisoning claims have to be made within three years of diagnosis of poisoning – children can make personal injury claims up to the age of 21.

Duncan Lewis also offers supportive legal advice to bereaved families whose loved one has lost their life as a result of CO poisoning caused by negligence and who wish to claim compensation.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.