Alison Tilsley, 63, and Alex Wood, 43, tragically lost their lives after a horrific incident at Roadford Lake near Okehampton. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) conducted a thorough investigation and found that a series of failures led to this devastating outcome.
The report revealed that the South West Lakes Trust (SWLT), which owned the activity centre responsible for the boat trip, had not properly maintained the vessel or considered the risks involved. The investigators highlighted that the wheelyboat, which was carrying Ms. Tilsley and Mr. Wood in their wheelchairs, capsized due to water leakage and degraded seals on the bow ramp. These maintenance issues ultimately led to the tragic accident.
The MAIB recommended that SWLT update its maintenance program, hire a dedicated staff member to oversee upkeep at all activity centers, and provide disability awareness training for staff. Additionally, they advised the trust to ensure that instructors are knowledgeable about evaluating weight and load distribution when working with wheelchair users on watercraft.
Furthermore, the care home where Ms. Tilsley and Mr. Wood resided was advised to revise its risk assessments for activities provided by external suppliers. The Wheelyboat Trust, which owned the vessel, was urged to include guidance on securing wheelchairs and carrying heavy motorized wheelchairs in its owner’s manual.
The report emphasized the lack of oversight and risk awareness that contributed to this tragedy. Andrew Moll OBE, chief inspector of marine accidents, stated that urgent action must be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response to the report, The Wheelyboat Trust noted that the vessel’s design was not a factor in the accident and committed to reviewing the recommendations. South West Lakes Trust acknowledged the findings and pledged to implement relevant recommendations, including ceasing the use of wheelyboats on their waters.
While the losses of Ms. Tilsley and Mr. Wood are deeply felt by the community at Burdon Grange care home, investigations by various authorities are ongoing. Devon and Cornwall Police, the Health and Safety Commission, and the Care Quality Commission are all looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper maintenance, risk assessment, and oversight in all activities involving vulnerable individuals. It is crucial that lessons are learned from this tragedy to prevent similar accidents in the future.