Two wheelchair users dragged to bottom of lake and drowned when ‘poorly maintained’ wheelyboat capsized on day trip --[Reported by Umva mag]

TWO wheelchair users died when a “poorly maintained” wheelyboat they were strapped into capsized on a lake.

Alex Wood, 43, and Alison Tilsley, 63, were on a day trip at Roadford Lake in Devon from their care home when the tragedy unfolded.

BPM

BPM

The pair, who were strapped into their motorised wheelchairs, were on a specially adapted vessel known as “Wheelyboat 123”.

Alex and Tilsey were “dragged to the bottom of the lake and drowned” during the horror on June 8, 2022.

A report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found the boat had not been correctly maintained.

Seals on a ramp were not subjected to a regular inspection and had degraded – meaning water was able to leak into the boat.

The MAIB also said Roadford Lake Activity Centre, which hired out the vessel to the care home, had not fully identified the risks or understood the “unique needs” of operating it.

Four other people were rescued when the boat capsized on its way back to the centre – including a woman left in a critical condition.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents Andrew Moll said: “No-one had taken time to properly consider the risks associated with taking the wheelchair users afloat, either before the accident or on the day itself.

“The condition of the wheelyboat had been allowed to deteriorate so water could enter it, and on the day no-one recognised the implications of carrying vulnerable people who were strapped into heavy motorised wheelchairs around a lake in an open boat.

“In short, no-one had their eye on the risk, and tragically Alison Tilsley and Alex Wood lost their lives.

“As well as the catalogue of failings highlighted by the report, the investigation has also uncovered a worrying lack of oversight which must be seen as an impetus for urgent action.

“Charitable activities such as this seem to fall into a grey zone with no organisation or authority in a position of oversight.”

A full inquest into Alex and Alison’s deaths is due to be held at a later date.

In moving a tribute following the tragedy, Alison’s family said they were “devastated” by the death of the “kind, caring and loving” woman.

They added: “Her sunny nature, positivity, fantastic sense of humour and skill with words will be greatly missed.

“Our hearts are broken forever but the messages of love and support we have received are of great comfort.”

PA

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