FOLLOWING the publication of the Canal & River Trust (CaRT) report into the near sinking of the historic narrowboat, Flamingo, the Trust has confirmed that it holds only one witness statement related to the incident. (Son blamed for near sinking).
The single witness statement is by the Volunteer Lock Keeper (VLK) who was present at the time.Two versions
In its report into the incident, CaRT stated that there were two versions of events but some information was being withheld under section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act. Section 40 relates to the release of personal data.
CaRT were specifically asked to confirm if they held witness statements from the following:
Cath Fincher (the wife of Alan Fincher who raised an incident report into the near sinking).
David Fincher (the son who both CaRT's report and the incident report say opened a top paddle at the same time as the VLK was lowering a bottom paddle).
Any crew member of the boat in the adjacent lock at the time of the incident.
Any other bystander.
No other reports
The Trust has stated that it holds no reports from any of the above and the only witness statement it holds is from the VLK.
CaRT has been asked to review its decision to withhold the VLK statement as it is believed that most of this is a report about what happened and, as such, does not constitute personal data. Indeed, it might throw some light onto whether the VLK thought he was properly trained to recognise and deal with such incidents.
Competency assessment
The Trust has also been asked to provide copies of two other documents that it has failed to release. The first of these relates to a specific claim that VLK Competency Assessment (known as CAATS) includes specific questions on what to do in an emergency during lock operation. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the Trust has failed to produce this CAATS document. It should have provided it earlier following a request for all documents related to VLK training at Hillmorton Locks (where the incident took place).
Does this document really exist?
VLK training
The second relates to a statement in CaRT's report that a review of VLK training found it ‘suitable and sufficient' and was not the cause of any part of the incident.
Why is this report being withheld if it provides some comfort that VLK's are properly trained to deal with emergencies?
Telling it again
Whilst it has been told before it bears telling again. There are simple common sense recommendations for dealing with a hanging up incident:
- In all cases immediately drop all panels to stop the flow of water.
- Refill lock slowly, if safe and appropriate to do so.
- Always put personal safety over property.
However, until such time as CaRT actually demonstrates that VLK's are trained to identify hang-ups and deal with them appropriately, can any boater feel safe when accepting assistance?