In a recent court hearing, harrowing details emerged about the tragic incident involving a group of paddleboarders who navigated a weir, resulting in the loss of several lives. According to the BBC, the court was informed that the water intensity at the weir was equivalent to “two tonnes of water crossing the 1m of the weir crest every second”.
The incident involved a group of paddleboarders who attempted to navigate the weir using a fish pass, a section between the right and left crest of the weir. The BBC reported that the fish pass was 11m (36ft) long and had an incline of about 14%. The court was shown photographs of the weir, including the fish pass, which the group was trying to navigate.
The hearing also heard that there were desperate attempts by bystanders to throw lifelines into the weir in an effort to save the group. However, the intensity of the water made it extremely challenging. Mr. Watson, a witness, explained to the court that the water conditions showed “immense turbulence”, making it difficult to see the side walls of the fish pass.
The group had been organised through a WhatsApp group, and some participants had raised concerns in the days leading up to the trip. The BBC reported that Mr. O’Dwyer, one of the organisers, had responded to concerns by suggesting alternative tour routes. However, one participant, Lloyd, had expressed that an alternative route sounded “boring” before later adding: “Maybe stick to the original.”
The court also heard that no risk assessments, waivers, or details of next of kin were found by police. Lloyd claimed that she believed Mr. O’Dwyer gave a safety briefing to the group while she went to the toilet, but all other participants stated that no safety briefing was given.
The incident has raised serious questions about the safety measures in place for such tours. As the BBC reported, Mr. Watson’s testimony highlighted the extreme danger posed by the weir, with conditions that made it nearly impossible for the group to navigate safely. The hearing continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The BBC’s in-depth reporting on this story has provided valuable insights into the events leading up to the tragedy. According to the BBC, the incident has sparked an investigation into the safety protocols of such tours, and it is expected that the findings will lead to changes in the way these events are organised and executed in the future.
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