Teacher’s drowning prompts marina safety warning over ladder design
A 57-year-old teacher tragically died after falling into a marina because the ladders to help her climb out were too short, an inquest has heard.
Catherine Forbes, a houseboat resident at Thames and Kennet Marina in Caversham, UK, drowned on 31 March, 2023. Her death, ruled an accident, was the subject of an inquest at Oxford Coroner’s Court that highlighted significant safety concerns at the marina that could lead to future fatalities.
As a result of the inquest’s findings, Coroner Darren Salter has issued a report to The Yacht Harbour Association, warning that there is a “risk that future deaths will occur [at marinas] unless action is taken.”
On the night of the incident, Forbes had been at the marina bar socialising with friends, it was reported. She left at 11:12pm, described as “moderately intoxicated,” and walked back to her houseboat alone in heavy rain and strong winds. During her return, she fell into the cold waters of the marina. Despite being a strong swimmer, she was unable to climb out using a nearby ladder. The ladder extended 1.5 metres in length, with its bottom rung just 600 millimetres below the water’s surface.
Thames and Kennet Marina. Image courtesy of Google Earth.
Evidence presented at the inquest, including marks on her boots and her handbag found thrown onto the pontoon, indicated attempts to escape. However, she was unable to lift herself out and succumbed to hypothermia before drowning, the inquest heard. Her body was discovered the following morning.
Police initially launched an investigation, briefly arresting a 61-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He was later released, and the investigation confirmed that there was no criminal activity involved. Detective chief inspector Wojciech Spyt says: “We commenced immediate enquiries, and we are now in a position to confirm that there is no ongoing criminal investigation.”
The inquest revealed that Forbes was the third person to drown in similar circumstances at Thames and Kennet Marina, operated by Tingdene, since 2016. On 14 November 2024, Coroner Salter issued a Regulation 28 Report for the Prevention of Future Deaths, citing systemic safety concerns at marinas.
Marina accidents
In the report, he emphasised the inadequacy of the marina’s emergency ladders, which were replaced after Forbes’s death with upgraded versions extending 2 metres, including 1 metre submerged. However, he said, broader issues remained, including the number, placement and visibility of ladders, as well as the absence of accessible flotation devices or alarm systems. Salter suggested these systems could aid individuals in unwitnessed emergencies and prevent similar tragedies.
In his report, the coroner also expressed concern over the criteria for the Gold Anchor Award granted by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), noting that it does not sufficiently prioritise safety and highlighting that Thames and Kennet Marina held the top 5-Gold-Anchor rating at the time of the incident.
Thames and Kennet Marina after the tragic incident. Image courtesy of Paul King via Reading Chronicle.
While Thames and Kennet Marina has taken steps to improve safety since Forbes’s death, this case has highlighted the need for systemic changes across the marina industry to prevent similar incidents.
Incidents like these, deaths in marinas, are thankfully rare – but they do happen. The chance of accidental drowning looms over marina operations. Dockside hazards, slippery footing, and careless behaviour contribute to drownings each year.
TYHA’s Code of Practice, last updated in 2013, is being reviewed this year, and Salter urged the inclusion of safety measures in marina designs. Suggestions included surface-level flotation devices and non-electrical, water-activated alarm systems. He also emphasised the importance of addressing these issues industry-wide to mitigate the risk of future deaths.
The report has been shared with The Yacht Harbour Association, the Health and Safety Executive, and other regulatory bodies, with TYHA given a deadline of January 2025 to respond.
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour deputy harbour master Adam Lewis with the new-style ladder.
Last month, two new-style emergency ladders were placed on the visitors’ pontoon at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, Brockenhurst, as well as at the bottom of the gangway leading to the marina. Members of staff can take the ladders with them while answering any calls for assistance.
The new style of marina safety ladder has also been fitted with a buoyant man overboard sling, which can be clipped around the casualty to keep them safe if a member of staff needs to call for help or alert emergency services.
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