Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme worker died after boat capsized on River Aire

Experienced boatman Gary Webster, 60, and another man were trying to retrieve a propane gas cylinder swirling in turbulent waters in front of a 2.6m high weir cascade when they both plunged into the River Aire at Thwaite Mills, Stourton.

It happened in front of one of three new gates installed as part of the joint Leeds City Council and Environment Agency £45m flood alleviation scheme at Knostrop Weir.

The second man got to safety, but Mr Webster was in the water for 15 minutes before being rescued just after 12.30pm on Monday October 30 2017, an inquest jury at Wakefield Coroner's Court heard.

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he died two days later as a result of multiple organ failure, cardiac arrest and cold water immersion.

Leeds City Council awarded a contract to construct the flood alleviation scheme to a joint venture between BAM Nuttall Ltd and Mott MacDonald, known as BMMjv.

Mr Webster was working on the final stages of commissioning works on the Knostrop Wier scheme, which had officially opened 26-days earlier.

The jury returned a narrative conclusion at the end of last month's inquest, which heard he wasn't given instructions on how to safely carry out the task and there was no formal risk assessment.

The jury concluded that the small flat bottomed boat built by the contractor for welding jobs was not intended for use as a safety boat.

They ruled Mr Webster, of Hull, was not formally authorised to operate it and was not trained to operate it in turbulent water.

Now senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin has sent a regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths to BAM Nuttall Ltd and BMM jv Ltd.

Mr McLoughlin said in the report that he is concerned that the senior engineer and manager involved failed to appreciate the hazards involved.

Mr McLoughlin wrote: "Such an approach to inherently hazardous tasks gives rise to the risk that another death may occur in the organisations named due to inadequate planning procedures."

Mr McLoughlin said Mr Webster had many years' experience operating large boats, but evidence at the inquest indicated he was not competent to operate the boat's outboard motor.

Mr McLoughlin concluded: "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action."

Steve Fox, BAM Nuttall’s chief executive officer, said on behalf of the company and BMM jv Ltd: “Gary Webster was a well-respected and experienced colleague, who is sadly missed.

"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends following the conclusion of the coroner’s inquest.

"We will reply in full to the coroner’s report and remain committed to supporting the ongoing HSE investigation into his death.”

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) spokeswoman said it would not comment as the case is still under investigation by the HSE.