Tragedy of fishermen poisoned by lethal gas

TWO fishermen from Northumberland who were found dead aboard a boat moored in Whitby Harbour were poisoned by carbon monoxide, initial findings have indicated.

Mark Arries, 26, from Blyth, and Edward Ide, 21, from Amble, were discovered on January 15.

The pair were sleeping on board the scallop dredger Eshcol and before going to bed had lit the grill of a butane gas cooker to help keep them warm.

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The Marine Accident Investigation Branch said a full report would follow but initial findings suggested carbon monoxide 
poisoning had caused their deaths.

“When they were not seen as expected the following morning, crewmen from fishing vessels tied up close by forced open the wheelhouse door,” the report said.

“The gas grill was still lit and the wheelhouse was full of fumes; the two men were dead in their bunks.”

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch warned that gas cookers were designed for cooking not to provide heating and should be checked and maintained regularly.

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It said accommodation areas should be heated with appropriate purpose-built heaters.

The report reveals the Eshcol was also not fitted with a carbon monoxide alarm, which the MAIB said should be fitted to vessels in order to protect crew members.

Barry Sheerman MP, co-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, warned that exhaust fumes within enclosed spaces, such as a boat cabin, can kill within minutes.

He added: “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims of this awful tragedy.

“It’s vital the public understands that CO is a deadly gas which emanates from a number of various sources, not just domestic fires as many believe.”

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