MAIB Report: Fatal carbon monoxide poisoning on sports cruiser Emma Louise at Port Hamble Marina, River Hamble, England on 11 January 2022

Summary:

On the morning of 12 January 2022, two men were found unconscious in the covered cockpit of the privately owned sports cruiser Emma Louise, which was moored in Port Hamble Marina. The men had left the boat’s petrol engine running during the previous evening, likely to maintain power to some of the boat’s systems. Exhaust gas had built up in the covered cockpit area, causing them to pass out and die due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

 The key safety issues identified were:

• Exhaust gas, containing CO, had likely been funnelled into the cockpit between the boat’s transom and an inflatable water skiing ringo suspended from it. The cockpit was covered by a close-fitting canopy and the exhaust gas accumulated as there was little ventilation to enable the CO to disperse.
• With no CO alarm fitted on board, the men were not alerted to the danger of CO poisoning before they succumbed. 
• Further work by industry stakeholders to raise CO awareness among pleasure craft users is required to reduce the increasing number of fatalities caused by CO poisoning.

Safety recommendations:

• In view of MAIB recommendations issued in 2017 following the Love for Lydia investigation, supported by our participation in the UK government’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in November 2022 and the safety flyer issued with this report, no further safety recommendations have been made.

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.”