As the Marine Accident Investigation Branch confirms suspicions over the Padstow speedboat tragedy, the RYA says it serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing killcords
An initial report by the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau into the horrific RIB accident in the Camel Estuary in Padstow on 5 May, in which a family of six were thrown from their RIB, has confirmed that the driver at the time of the incident was not wearing a killcord.
With no killcord attached, when the driver was ejected from the boat the engine did not stop and the RIB continued to circle out of control at speed running over the family several times, resulting in the deaths of Nick Milligan and his eight-year-old daughter, Emily, and leaving his wife Victoria and their son Kit, four, with serious injuries.
Following the findings, the RYA urged boaters to ensure their killcords are attached. Richard Falk, RYA training manager and chief examiner, said, “The killcord serves only one vital purpose, to stop the engine when the driver moves away from the controls for whatever reason.”
“No one wants a repeat of this tragic accident and so the RYA is urging everyone driving a powerboat, RIB or personal watercraft to make sure that they attach the killcord around their leg before they switch on their engine.”
Photo: A police boat near the harbour at Padstow following the accident – Tim Ireland/PA Wire
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