James Parsons
22 Feb 2023 · Coroner Guy Davies · Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
The coroner's concerns
1. sheer drops into water without railings
“There were safety issues revealed at Porthleven Harbour, particularly in the evening when festival goers will have been drinking alcohol. Sections of the harbour wall feature sheer drops into water with no railings and trip hazards. The pier presents a particular risk due the absence of railings on one side with a sheer drop into water, and being poorly lit. For anyone falling from the pier, swimming to safety will be difficult due to current and the absence of access ladders or refuge area. The”
2. absence of railings and lighting on pier
“The pier presents a particular risk due the absence of railings on one side with a sheer drop into water, and being poorly lit. For anyone falling from the pier, swimming to safety will be difficult due to current and the absence of access ladders or refuge area. The pier is sometimes closed to access by the public but was not closed at the time of the festival.”
3. unauthorized public access to pier
“The pier is sometimes closed to access by the public but was not closed at the time of the festival.”