Report into drownings reveals list of failings

WHEELCHAIR USERS LOST LIVES ON DEVON LAKE

- ANITA MERRITT

AN investigation into the tragic deaths of two disabled people at a West Devon lake after a boat capsized has revealed a shocking catalogue of failings and a 'worrying lack of oversight A report published yesterday by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has called for urgent action to be taken, and a possible change in law.

A huge search operation was launched when six people were thrown into the water on Roadford Lake, near Okehampton, at 1.30pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, and two remained missing.

Their bodies were discovered the following day. One other person was critically injured.

The MAIB has confirmed that the two people who lost their lives - Alison Tilsley, 63, and Alex Wood, 43were both wheelchair users and were residents from Burdon Grange Care Home in Beaworthy, Devon, who were participating in a day trip on the lake.

When the Wheelyboat they were on capsized, the residents who were strapped into their wheelchairs were dragged to the bottom of the lake, and drowned.

The MAIB investigation found the Wheelyboat had not been correctly maintained, allowing water to leak into the boat and making it unstable, which led to its capsize.

The bow ramp seals were not subjected to regular inspection before use and had degraded, compromising the watertight integrity of the Wheelyboat.

Roadford Lake is home to Roadford Lake Activity Centre, operated by the South West Lakes Trust charity. The MAIB investigation concluded the activity centre had not fully identified the risks or understood the unique needs of operating the Wheelyboat with wheelchair users.

The risks of strapping wheelchair users in their chairs were said to be neither 'considered nor mitigated and it was noted both the activity centre and the care home assumed the other had knowledge about managing the activity for disabled people.