A CORONER is seeking a change in law following the tragic death of a man in a fire which broke out on a canal boat.

Peter Dolan, of Widnes, died aged 63 when the narrow boat he resided on caught fire on Bridgewater Canal, near Whitbarrow Road in Lymm.

Two fire engines from Stockton Heath and Lymm were dispatched to the scene at 3.25am on March 8 this year.

This came after Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service received reports of a fire on a canal barge.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to put out the fire, which was ‘well alight’ on arrival.

However, Cheshire Police was called following the tragic discovery of a body at around 4.05am, with no suspicious circumstances being found.

Mr Dolan’s identity was confirmed by a forensic scientist via a DNA test, with an inquest into his death concluding on July 9.

Alexander Frodsham, assistant coroner for Cheshire, reached a conclusion of accidental death, with Mr Dolan suffering from smoke inhalation and severe burns.

His medical cause of death was given as multiple organ failure, with the inquest hearing how the ‘likely ignition source’ was embers ejected from a solid fuel stove on the boat.

Now, Coroner Frodsham has issued a prevention of future deaths report, which has been sent to the Boat Safety Scheme, which must respond to the concerns raised.

He said: “During the course of the investigation, my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern.

The inquest was concluded at Warrington Coroners Court

The inquest was concluded at Warrington Coroner's Court

“In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.

“An investigation by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service revealed that the likely ignition source was hot embers ejected from a solid fuel stove, and that there was no evidence of any smoke alarm having been fitted within the boat.

“It is presently a legal requirement of the Boat Safety Scheme that boats be fitted with carbon monoxide alarms.

“But there is no requirement that boats be fitted with smoke alarms unless it is a hire boat for overnight accommodation.

“Any equivalent requirement for all other boats may reduce the likelihood of further fatalities arising from smoke inhalation and/or burns.

“In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action.”

The Boat Safety Scheme is dutybound to respond to the report by September 4, detailing action taken or proposed, as well as a timetable or explanation as to why no action is proposed.

Following Mr Dolan’s death, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a heartfelt plea for boat owners to ensure both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted, and to test them regularly.

David Rutter, service delivery manager for Warrington, said: “Further to the tragic incident on the canal at Lymm on March 8, I cannot stress strongly enough that detectors for both smoke and carbon monoxide should be fitted.

“We have comprehensive advice for boat owners and would urge everyone to read it and act upon it, for their own safety and that of their loved ones.”

For boat safety advice, visit cheshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/outdoor-safety/boat-safety/