Press Association Saturday November 24, 2007 7:53 PM

Police have named the three people who died after their boat capsized in heavy seas.

Andrew Stewart Carrick, 45, his partner, Jill Russell, 48, and his brother, John Russell Carrick, 36, all from Middlesbrough, Cleveland, died after their 22ft cabin cruiser Last Call overturned just outside Whitby Harbour.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is currently carrying out an investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said both brothers were unemployed, while Ms Russell was a shop assistant. None of the three casualties had children.

The spokesman said: "Next of kin have been informed and ask that they are left at this time to grieve in private."

He added: "The MAIB are currently carrying out an independent preliminary inquiry into the accident with a view to finding out the underlying causes."

North Yorkshire Police is conducting inquiries on behalf of Her Majesty's Coroner.

The three were plucked from the sea by lifeboat and rescue helicopter after the Last Call overturned as it attempted to leave Whitby Harbour in "atrocious" weather conditions.

A Force 8 gale warning was in place at the time and Scarborough Council had sealed off the pier earlier in the day because of high tides. Lifeboat workers watched as 16ftwaves crashed into the boat as it tried to leave the harbour and tried three times to radio the vessel to warn it to turn back but were unable to make contact.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Witnesses have commented on the brave actions of the Whitby lifeboat crew and the helicopter crew, both operating in very challenging circumstances."

Submitted on 11/25/2007

Submitted by: gary kirkwood
Reference: 24 November 2007, 19:08 GMT BBC.CO.UK

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Toss: Lacks Excellence
Thanks, Gary, but boaters routinely get caught in lousy weather like this on a daily basis, and unfortunately a number of them end up losing their lives despite the best efforts of rescue workers. Here in the US the Coast Guard assists over 100 people and saves an average of 15 lives every day. Unless they exhibited extreme stupidity (like departing in the middle of a the storm) this really isn't all that uncommon or entertaining.

Chip said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
Gary, this is definitely an interesting story. The fact that a Force 8 Gale warning was posted should have been enough to prevent the boat from going out. If they missed that then they surely noticed the 16 foot seas. Thanks for the story.

James said:
Maybe Toss: Bystanders Hurt
There WAS a storm warning in effect, so there is an element of stupidity present, but I am going to be a stickler here. I don't know for certain that every soul on board thought departing in a storm was a wise idea. As such, one or more of the casualties may have been bystanders. If more specific detail surfaces, I would like to see it, but for now I can't vote DA. Thanks just the same, Gary!

Jack said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
In the absence of evidence to the contrary, I'm going to agree with Chip and I'm also going to assume that all three were willing participants. Thanks, Gary.

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