Boat tragedy deaths 'accidental'

Andrew Carrick, his partner Jill Russell and his brother John, all died

A coroner has recorded verdicts of accidental death on three people who died when their boat capsized in rough seas off the North Yorkshire coast.

Andrew Carrick, 45, his partner Jill Russell, 48, and brother John Carrick, 36, all from Middlesbrough, died outside Whitby harbour last November.

An inquest heard that their lack of experience was a "material factor".

After the verdicts, the brothers' family said they hoped lessons would be learned to prevent a similar tragedy.

'Massive impact'

In a statement, released after the hearing at Scarborough County Court, they said: "The family accept the verdict given by the coroner and would like to thank him for his understanding.

"All three of them enjoyed the outdoor life and on the day in question were eager and excited to sail the boat which was just one of their latest outdoor interests.

"This whole incident has had a massive impact on the family and even though the investigation and the inquest are now complete, the family can only now begin to move forward.

"Whilst the family acknowledge that mistakes can and will be made they hope that lessons can be learned from this tragedy.

"They would like to add that they love and miss all three of them every day."

Large waves

The inquest was told a Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report concluded the victims had not recognised the dangers they faced as they set out in heavy seas in a 24ft cabin cruiser.

The decision to sail was "ill-conceived", it added as no-one on board had even a basic level of seamanship.

As the vessel left Whitby harbour, a lifeboat radioed to warn of the danger of strong winds that had created 16ft-high waves at the harbour entrance.

But there was no reply and the cruiser continued towards the harbour entrance where it was hit by two large waves in quick succession.

The second wave caused Andrew Carrick and his brother John to fall overboard.

While Andrew Carrick's partner Jill was reporting the incident to the coastguard using a mobile phone the craft capsized.