Carbon monoxide poisoning on motor cruiser Arniston with loss of 2 lives

Location: Windermere, England.

From:
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Published
27 January 2015
Vessel type:
Recreational craft - power
Report type:
Investigation report
Date of occurrence:
1 April 2013

Accident Investigation Report 2/2015

Investigation report into marine accident including what happened, safety lessons and recommendations made:

MAIB investigation report 2-2015: Arniston

Annexes to MAIB investigation report 2-2015

Photograph of motor cruiser Arniston

Summary

On 1 April 2013 a mother and daughter on board the motor cruiser Arniston suffered fatal carbon monoxide poisoning on Lake Windermere, Cumbria. They were overcome by fumes from a portable generator which had been installed in the engine bay and modified by the addition of an exhaust which subsequently failed allowing the small sleeping area to fill with lethal carbon monoxide.

Safety lessons

  • the installation of the portable air-cooled petrol generator in the enclosed engine bay was against the advice provided by the manufacturer
  • the improvised exhaust system fitted to the generator was not fit for purpose
  • all safety critical work on boats should be undertaken by a competent marine engineer using the correct materials
  • the boat’s occupants were not alerted to the presence of CO because the alarms fitted on board were not working

Recommendations

A recommendation (2015/102) has been made to the Department for Business Innovation & Skills, which is intended to ensure that new recreational craft are fitted with carbon monoxide alarms.

A recommendation (M2015/103) has also been made to the Boat Safety Scheme, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Royal Yachting Association, British Marine Federation, Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities, aimed at raising the awareness of recreational boaters to the dangers of carbon monoxide and promoting the use of carbon monoxide alarms through a co-ordinated and concerted campaign.

A further recommendation (2015/104) has been made to the Boat Safety Scheme, which is aimed at identifying and highlighting the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning during boat examinations.

A recommendation (2015/105) has also been made to the Lake District National Park Authority to improve safety on its waters.

Published 27 January 2015