A charity has been charged with corporate manslaughter after two people drowned when a boat capsized during a daytrip.
South West Lakes Trust, which is based in Cornwall and manages more than 40 inland water sites, reservoirs and lakes across south west England, was charged earlier this week with the offence, alongside Burdon Grange Care Home.
The charges related to a fatal incident which took place on 8 June 2022, when a boat designed for wheelchair users – which was carrying a group on a day trip from the care home – capsized on Roadford Lake in Devon, resulting in six people entering the water.
Alex Wood, 43, and Alison “Ali” Tilsley, 63, both from west Devon, died while a woman in her 50s was seriously injured.
Devon and Cornwall Police reported this week that the care home and South West Lakes Trust were charged with corporate manslaughter. Each organisation was also charged with another offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The charity was charged with an offence under section three of the act, “relating to an alleged failure to conduct its undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, that persons not in its employment were not exposed to risks to their health or safety”.
Meanwhile, the care home was charged with an offence under section two of the act relating to the health, safety and welfare of its employees.
The first court hearing is set to take place at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 11 November.
South West Lakes Trust chief executive James Platts said: “We will of course be fully cooperating with the court. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.
“Our thoughts remain firmly with those affected by this tragedy, their friends and family.”
Burdon Grange Care Home has been approached for comment.
