Published: Tuesday, 26th June, 2007 09:36
HORROR EXPLOSION MAY HAPPEN AGAIN
By Kirsteen Paterson
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A BOAT explosion which left two men in a critical condition may have been caused by poor upkeep.
The friends were airlifted to the hospital by helicopter after the blast ripped through the cabin cruiser last week.
Afterwards Simon Kitchen, owner of Loch Lomond Marina, said: “Many of the boats in that area are owned by DIY-ers, and the maintenance is not always the best.”
He said: “We have had to pull up a couple of people this year in our own marina for a fire risk.
“Some people do not spend the money to make the boats safe. There is talk of bringing in something where boats are inspected for basic safety. I would support that.
“If they bring it in they must have a gradual implementation. They must go round the marinas and make sure they have people to make the checks.”
The victims of the blast were named as friends Michael Cassidy, 72, and Albert Jacobsen, 68, from Clydebank.
Called the Piriac, the 24ft boat exploded near Sweeney’s Cruises at 1.45pm, and passers-by raced from nearby Balloch Castle Country Park to help.
It took fire fighters an hour and a half to extinguish the blaze, which was the second this year.
The Luss Rescue Boat crew were also called to the scene. Cox Frank Rogers said it was probably caused by gas.
He added: “These craft lie for so long that fumes build up.”
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