Flood death coroner calls for emergency services to be sub-aqua trained

A coroner has called for the emergency services to be trained in underwater rescue after a young man who became stuck in a drain died in floodwaters.

Michael Barnett, 28, died during the unprecedented flooding which hit Hull and other parts of Yorkshire in June.

He was trying to alleviate the floods near the fish importing business where he worked at Hessle when his foot became lodged in a temporary grille in the drain.

Rescue workers fought to free him for four hours as the water reached his chin. But their efforts were in vain. He died of hypothermia in raging waters.

Yesterday, Mr Barnett's inquest heard how emergency services made heroic efforts to save his life.

But Hull Coroner Geoffrey Saul declared: "It has become clear that neither the fire service, the police nor the ambulance service have an underwater rescue capability."

The evidence showed "a gap to exist nationally in the provision of rescue services", he added.

He highlighted a lack of training for fire crews in using cutting equipment underwater and pointed out that police divers are trained in search rather than rescue techniques.

Neighbours first tried to free Mr Barnett.

They were joined by police officers, firemen, paramedics and divers, who tried to cut him free using hydraulic equipment.

Three attempts were also made to winch out the grid using a fire engine and a police Land Rover.

Eventually they sent for a doctor to amputate his trapped leg. But the consultant told the inquest amputation was impossible.

Recording an accident verdict over the tragedy on June 25, the coroner said: "Members of the public and members of the emergency services alike all worked tirelessly in truly appalling weather, soaked to the skin, to try to rescue him."

After the hearing, Mr Barnett's father, also called Michael, said he did not blame rescuers for his son's death.

"The emergency services did all they could," Mr Barnett said.

"I've spoken to them. I've told them time and time again.

"Some dived in without any equipment. All I can say is they were a brave bunch of lads."

The coroner said he would report the gap in emergency services at national level.