Grandfather’s boat death due to exhaust fumes

Thursday 28 September 2017

A grandfather who was found unresponsive on his boat earlier this year died due to carbon monoxide poisoning, an inquest has ruled.

73-year-old Kenneth John Jeffery collapsed on the deck of the cockpit and near the helm of his boat, ‘Mais Oui’, during the early afternoon on 16 February this year.

An inquest was subsequently opened into the death of Surrey-born Mr Jeffery.

It heard yesterday that the boat - located in St Helier's Old Harbour (pictured) – was found with one of its two engines still running.

The canvas cover over the cockpit of the boat was in place with access zips open, and this created a confined space.

“[Mr Jeffery] was overcome by the exhaust fumes of the boat’s engines; death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning,” Relief Coroner Advocate Cyril Whelan ruled.

Jersey's Harbourmaster has since issued a warning about carbon monoxide to all boat owners, and has provided a list of measures that can be taken.

• Only alarms that meet a safety standard EN 50291-2:2010, which are intended for use in a marine environment should be fitted and regularly tested;
• The use of canopies should be avoided as covered structures can increase the risk of discharged exhaust fumes frequently reentering the vessel;
• All spaces, irrespective of their size, should be well ventilated at all times.

Further information can be found here.

Lead photo: Google Maps