Andrew Rees

I am Myfanwy Buckeridge, Assistant Coroner for the Area of Avon

On 24 th February 2023 an investigation was commenced into the death of Andrew James Rees. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 9 th January 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was: Accident The Cause of death was recorded as: 1a) Immersion in water

Mr REES consumed very high levels of alcohol on a night out with friends on 3 rd February 2023 which impaired his motor control when walking home severely intoxicated. His route home was alongside an unguarded part of Portishead Marina from which his body was later retrieved. He died at Portishead Marina Portishead North Somerset due to immersion in water

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows Boatfolk Marinas Ltd only In evidence it was identified that, in the vicinity of where the deceased was retrieved from the water, the rescue chain on the wall of the marina was broken and that the system of visual inspection in place by Boatfolk Marinas Ltd had not identified this. Whilst a monthly, documented visual inspection has been introduced it is a concern that visual inspection alone may be insufficient to identify the risk of a deteriorating chain. North Somerset Council only During the course of evidence one of the triggers to generate a review of the Port Marine, Portishead Risk Assessment by North Somerset Council was stated to be a significant change of use but no formal assessment or measure of whether a change of use (e.g. increase in amount or type of footfall/increased cyclists etc.) had taken place was apparent.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you, Boatfolk Marinas Ltd and North Somerset Council, have the power to take such action.