Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Mohammed Zeb
Ref: 2021-0096
Date: 30 Mar 2021
Coroner: John Broadbridge
Area: North Yorkshire, Western District
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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AI-generated concerns summaryThe coroner noted a lack of accessible water rescue aids and safety warnings at a natural attraction, where steep banks and rocks made access difficult for rescuers. There was insufficient awareness of risks like cold water, current speed, and underwater obstructions.
Date
30 Mar 2021
56-day deadline
3 Jun 2021
stated in the report
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The coroner noted a lack of accessible water rescue aids and safety warnings at a natural attraction, where steep banks and rocks made access difficult for rescuers. There was insufficient awareness of risks like cold water, current speed, and underwater obstructions.
View full coroner's concerns
(1) Recognising the Deceased’s inability to swim and that he was soon unresponsive, there were nevertheless no aids eg flotation aid, throw line or water rescue reach pole to help the rescuers, or the deceased himself if he had been responsive, accessible at the scene of the incident. OFFICIAL - SENSITIVE
(2) Police Officers and paramedics courageously had to swim and put themselves at risk to try and reach the casualty and support the deceased’s body while CPR was attempted in less than helpful physical positions and conditions for recovery of an inert casualty. Recognising that the Falls are a popular open, natural attraction, valued for its natural features, nevertheless the steep banks and rocks permit no ready access to places of safety and support for casualties. It was not until a team from Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue attended that he was able to be moved to a more suitable location.
- (3) No one present appeared to have been aware of any safety warnings either at the location or by other media about risks to life from cold water, current] speed of water flow, underwater obstructions and obstacles, all ‘unseen’ hazards. Further that such risks do not disappear - instead vary, remaining hazardous - in summer months even after drop in water levels.
(2) Police Officers and paramedics courageously had to swim and put themselves at risk to try and reach the casualty and support the deceased’s body while CPR was attempted in less than helpful physical positions and conditions for recovery of an inert casualty. Recognising that the Falls are a popular open, natural attraction, valued for its natural features, nevertheless the steep banks and rocks permit no ready access to places of safety and support for casualties. It was not until a team from Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue attended that he was able to be moved to a more suitable location.
- (3) No one present appeared to have been aware of any safety warnings either at the location or by other media about risks to life from cold water, current] speed of water flow, underwater obstructions and obstacles, all ‘unseen’ hazards. Further that such risks do not disappear - instead vary, remaining hazardous - in summer months even after drop in water levels.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 3 August 2020 an investigation commenced into the death of MOHAMMED BILAL ZES, aged 18 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 25 March 2021. The Conclusion of the inquest was that the deceased died because of drowning, to which COVID 19 and asthma were said to be contributory, and that his death was accidental.
Circumstances of the death
On 31 July 2020 the deceased was at Linton Falls on the River Wharfe near Linton with family and friends. Although he could not swim, he jumped into the River and got into difficulties. Persons present tried to help but he became unresponsive. He was recovered eventually to a large rock where resuscitation compressions were attempted, then to the riverbank. He was recognised as deceased there at 21.18 hours that same evening from drowning.
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Report details
- Reference
- 2021-0096
- Date of report
- 30 March 2021
- Coroner
- John Broadbridge
- Coroner area
- North Yorkshire, Western District
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 3 Jun 2021 (stated in the report).
Sent to
- Craven District Council, Yorkshire Dales National Park and Yorkshire Water