Owner to sue after £269,000 motor yacht explodes (From Daily Echo)
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Owner to sue after £269,000 motor yacht explodes
12:10pm Monday 9th July 2012 in News
Owner to sue after £269,000 motor yacht explodes
BUSINESSMAN Paul Ward was on the crest of a wave when he picked up the new boat he had bought at Southampton Boat Show.
The sleek Meridian 341, a four-berth motor yacht with two state rooms and all mod cons, was every sailor’s dream.
But that dream quickly turned into a nightmare when just 15 minutes after picking up the £269,000 vessel from a boat yard in Hampshire, Paul, 61 and his crew member, John Innes, were leaping for their lives, their clothes in flames, as the yacht exploded beneath them.
Then, as they shivered in a life raft on a freezing cold February day they watched in horror as the blazing boat, by now a ball of fire, sank beneath the waves before their eyes.
They were rescued by an RNLI lifeboat and rushed to Southampton General Hospital with serious burns.
Paul and his partner Dawn Roads are now suing dealers MGM Marine Ltd, trading as MGM Boats, and Dun Laoghaire Yacht Services for more than £300,000.
A writ lodged at the High Court claims the yacht was defective.
Paul shuddered as he relived the moment he thought he and John were about to die.
He said: “It was touch and go. First there was the explosion, then the smoke and flames. If we hadn’t jumped clear just when we did we would have had it.
“In fact, as we watched it turn into a fireball within minutes I just couldn’t believe how close we had come to death.”
Paul, who runs his own coach firm ferrying pop and rock bands around Britain, Europe and parts of Asia, had collected the 39ft yacht, a demonstration model with only 18 hours on the clock, from MGM Boats at Hamble Point Marina on February 8, 2010. The trip to Rye in East Sussex, where he lived, should have been plain sailing.
He said: “We plodded down the Hamble into Southampton Water where I opened her up a bit with no problems. Everything was fine and I said to John ‘let’s have a cuppa, I’ll take her up to 16 knots’.
“But as I pushed the throttle forward, there was an odd noise and I turned to John and said ‘The engine didn’t sound quite right’.”
Within a short time the boat was in flames and Paul and John were preparing to abandon ship near Calshot Spit.
“I said to John ‘we are going to have to get off here quick’,” Paul recalled.
By this time the whole of the bottom of the boat was in flames and as John was making his way towards the life raft the cockpit canopy exploded showering him with burning plastic and vinyl which set his jacket and hair alight.
Paul said: “I started to beat out the globules of flame stuck to his hair and clothes – burning my hands quite badly, in the process.
“I flung the raft into the water and pulled on the rope to inflate it but by this time the flames were at our backs and my jacket and hair caught fire.
“For ten minutes we were drifting on the raft waiting for the lifeboat to pick us up and we watched the boat sink.”
Describing his injuries, Paul said: “My face was just one huge blister. I am still having trouble with my breathing and in the sunshine my face flares up and goes different shades of bright red.”
Paul, now of Woking, Surrey, and Dawn have taken out a writ seeking damages to include the cost of the boat at £269,000, surveyors and consultants’ fees of £25,000, forensic expert’s fees of £9,136.67, storage costs of £3,935.31, and other expenses.
When that is out of the way he intends to take further action for damages concerning his injuries and psychiatric damage.
A spokesman for the Coastguard said: “When we first saw the boat in flames from our air/sea rescue helicopter we were convinced nobody could have escaped alive. It is a miracle anyone survived.”
John O’Kane, managing director of MGM Boats UK, said: “At this stage we have absolutely no comment to make.”
Comments(32)
Georgem
says...
12:23pm Mon 9 Jul 12
St Retford wrote:I agree. I mean, look, it's on fire. That's not right, for starters.
I'm no expert in boats but there was definitely something up with it.
Avery T Decanary
says...
12:28pm Mon 9 Jul 12
hulla baloo
says...
12:30pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Higginz
says...
12:31pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Georgem wrote:Incorrect I'm afraid. Section 16a of the purchase and warranty agreement on these models clearly states that the boat may spontaneously combust. This is a standard fit. If the buyer didn't want it to catch fire straight away, he should have gone for a bespoke option.
St Retford wrote: I'm no expert in boats but there was definitely something up with it.I agree. I mean, look, it's on fire. That's not right, for starters.
Goldenwight
says...
12:33pm Mon 9 Jul 12
I mean, here we have a guy in his 60s who picks up a brand new motor yacht whose controls he is probably unfamiliar with. Who is to say that he didn't commit some foolish error such as pressing the 'auto-destruct' button or something?
I'm glad that everyone was (broadly) OK anyway, and I look forward to hearing the outcome of this one!
southy
says...
12:33pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Irate Wintonian
says...
12:44pm Mon 9 Jul 12
southy wrote:Yeah cos wooden boats are much more flameproof aren't they?
One of things that i dislike about plastic boats, they can burn to quickly, I wondering for this to go up so quickly as being hinted at was there no smell of gas or some type of vapour.
Just look at cutty Sark!
phil maccavity
says...
12:48pm Mon 9 Jul 12
southy
says...
12:50pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Irate Wintonian wrote:Wooden boats take that bit longer for flames to take a grip hold of a boat, also wooden boats the wood below the water line tend to be wet it keeps the boat sealed to stop the boat from sinking, or don't you know any thing about boats, i would be happy to try and explain in the best way I know how.
southy wrote:Yeah cos wooden boats are much more flameproof aren't they?
One of things that i dislike about plastic boats, they can burn to quickly, I wondering for this to go up so quickly as being hinted at was there no smell of gas or some type of vapour.
Just look at cutty Sark!
Ps you can not compair the Cutty Sark how long had she been out of water for and all her wood would of been bone dry, a wooden boat floating on water is not.
flatulence hero
says...
1:08pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Georgem wrote:Great observation Georgem!
St Retford wrote:I agree. I mean, look, it's on fire. That's not right, for starters.
I'm no expert in boats but there was definitely something up with it.
Must be the fault of the baby killers, you plank.
BenjiWinsor
says...
1:34pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Georgem
says...
1:45pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Higginz wrote:That's true, sorry, thanks for the correction. I always remember to buy the 'will not explode' package on any boats I buy.
Georgem wrote:Incorrect I'm afraid. Section 16a of the purchase and warranty agreement on these models clearly states that the boat may spontaneously combust. This is a standard fit. If the buyer didn't want it to catch fire straight away, he should have gone for a bespoke option.
St Retford wrote: I'm no expert in boats but there was definitely something up with it.I agree. I mean, look, it's on fire. That's not right, for starters.
freemantlegirl2
says...
1:46pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Surveyors' fees and storage costs, which again insurance doesn't properly cover. I'm betting that he will have to refund the insurance company out of any payout that he gets but the extra costs have been incurred to himself perhaps including those of medical care and other contents he had on board not to mention injury. It also isn't clear whether the Writ was his Writ or one by the insurance company. Either way he sounds as if he knows what he's doing!
Love the fact that someone also says he's inexperienced without even knowing that. The boat burst into flames ffs!
Georgem
says...
1:49pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Great observation Georgem!
Must be the fault of the baby killers. Sorry, I really am a plank. Ignore me.
Well, I admire your honesty.
The Wickham Man
says...
2:30pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Georgem wrote:Now now lads be careful, there might be humourless types about - oh I see they are already here.
St Retford wrote:I agree. I mean, look, it's on fire. That's not right, for starters.
I'm no expert in boats but there was definitely something up with it.
OSPREYSAINT
says...
2:49pm Mon 9 Jul 12
dolomiteman
says...
2:58pm Mon 9 Jul 12
As with car insurance a lot of folk get the cheapest cover because they think they will never need the extras.
Georgem
says...
3:20pm Mon 9 Jul 12
dolomiteman wrote:Or, he doesn't see why he should make an insurance claim, and pay the associated excess, and have his premiums go up in future, when the craft was defective.
FMG2, If he was properly insurer the insurer will pay for the storage and any investigation work to find out why it went up in flames, the insurer would also pay all medical costs so the fact he is sueing implies he did not have insurance cover.
As with car insurance a lot of folk get the cheapest cover because they think they will never need the extras.
The Salv
says...
3:35pm Mon 9 Jul 12
freemantlegirl2 wrote:LOL FMG2 People just dont read properly, talk about pot and kettle...
People just don't read properly. It clearly says that he's had extensive tests done and a forensic examination too. This may be at the bidding of the insurance company but you can bet there's some small print somewhere where they won 't pay up front for it. Surveyors' fees and storage costs, which again insurance doesn't properly cover. I'm betting that he will have to refund the insurance company out of any payout that he gets but the extra costs have been incurred to himself perhaps including those of medical care and other contents he had on board not to mention injury. It also isn't clear whether the Writ was his Writ or one by the insurance company. Either way he sounds as if he knows what he's doing! Love the fact that someone also says he's inexperienced without even knowing that. The boat burst into flames ffs!
.
So are road works in Millbrook still for the flyover repairs as you state?
MegGriffin
says...
5:51pm Mon 9 Jul 12
The Salv wrote:Salv, is there any particular reason why you're always getting at FMG2?
freemantlegirl2 wrote:LOL FMG2 People just dont read properly, talk about pot and kettle...
People just don't read properly. It clearly says that he's had extensive tests done and a forensic examination too. This may be at the bidding of the insurance company but you can bet there's some small print somewhere where they won 't pay up front for it. Surveyors' fees and storage costs, which again insurance doesn't properly cover. I'm betting that he will have to refund the insurance company out of any payout that he gets but the extra costs have been incurred to himself perhaps including those of medical care and other contents he had on board not to mention injury. It also isn't clear whether the Writ was his Writ or one by the insurance company. Either way he sounds as if he knows what he's doing! Love the fact that someone also says he's inexperienced without even knowing that. The boat burst into flames ffs!
.
So are road works in Millbrook still for the flyover repairs as you state?
Georgem
says...
6:04pm Mon 9 Jul 12
MegGriffin wrote:He gets off on it.
The Salv wrote:Salv, is there any particular reason why you're always getting at FMG2?
freemantlegirl2 wrote:LOL FMG2 People just dont read properly, talk about pot and kettle...
People just don't read properly. It clearly says that he's had extensive tests done and a forensic examination too. This may be at the bidding of the insurance company but you can bet there's some small print somewhere where they won 't pay up front for it. Surveyors' fees and storage costs, which again insurance doesn't properly cover. I'm betting that he will have to refund the insurance company out of any payout that he gets but the extra costs have been incurred to himself perhaps including those of medical care and other contents he had on board not to mention injury. It also isn't clear whether the Writ was his Writ or one by the insurance company. Either way he sounds as if he knows what he's doing! Love the fact that someone also says he's inexperienced without even knowing that. The boat burst into flames ffs!
.
So are road works in Millbrook still for the flyover repairs as you state?
deepheat
says...
7:10pm Mon 9 Jul 12
The Salv
says...
7:53pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Georgem wrote:She cant except others points of view and counters them by way of ad hominem. On occasions she can actually construct a reasonable arguement.
MegGriffin wrote:He gets off on it.
The Salv wrote:Salv, is there any particular reason why you're always getting at FMG2?
freemantlegirl2 wrote:LOL FMG2 People just dont read properly, talk about pot and kettle...
People just don't read properly. It clearly says that he's had extensive tests done and a forensic examination too. This may be at the bidding of the insurance company but you can bet there's some small print somewhere where they won 't pay up front for it. Surveyors' fees and storage costs, which again insurance doesn't properly cover. I'm betting that he will have to refund the insurance company out of any payout that he gets but the extra costs have been incurred to himself perhaps including those of medical care and other contents he had on board not to mention injury. It also isn't clear whether the Writ was his Writ or one by the insurance company. Either way he sounds as if he knows what he's doing! Love the fact that someone also says he's inexperienced without even knowing that. The boat burst into flames ffs!
.
So are road works in Millbrook still for the flyover repairs as you state?
.
She gets as good as she gives as a result. Live by the sword die by the sword.
Georgem
says...
8:30pm Mon 9 Jul 12
The Salv wrote:*accept
Georgem wrote:She cant except others points of view and counters them by way of ad hominem. On occasions she can actually construct a reasonable arguement.
MegGriffin wrote:He gets off on it.
The Salv wrote:Salv, is there any particular reason why you're always getting at FMG2?
freemantlegirl2 wrote:LOL FMG2 People just dont read properly, talk about pot and kettle...
People just don't read properly. It clearly says that he's had extensive tests done and a forensic examination too. This may be at the bidding of the insurance company but you can bet there's some small print somewhere where they won 't pay up front for it. Surveyors' fees and storage costs, which again insurance doesn't properly cover. I'm betting that he will have to refund the insurance company out of any payout that he gets but the extra costs have been incurred to himself perhaps including those of medical care and other contents he had on board not to mention injury. It also isn't clear whether the Writ was his Writ or one by the insurance company. Either way he sounds as if he knows what he's doing! Love the fact that someone also says he's inexperienced without even knowing that. The boat burst into flames ffs!
.
So are road works in Millbrook still for the flyover repairs as you state?
.
She gets as good as she gives as a result. Live by the sword die by the sword.
A post from you which contains no insults, is rare indeed. Talk to me about ad hominem.
IronLady2010
says...
8:59pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Glad everyone is still alive and well done to the rescuers who bought them home safely, even if a bit sore.
The Salv
says...
10:42pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Georgem wrote:thats the risk you take when you insult me...
The Salv wrote:*accept
Georgem wrote:She cant except others points of view and counters them by way of ad hominem. On occasions she can actually construct a reasonable arguement.
MegGriffin wrote:He gets off on it.
The Salv wrote:Salv, is there any particular reason why you're always getting at FMG2?
freemantlegirl2 wrote:LOL FMG2 People just dont read properly, talk about pot and kettle...
People just don't read properly. It clearly says that he's had extensive tests done and a forensic examination too. This may be at the bidding of the insurance company but you can bet there's some small print somewhere where they won 't pay up front for it. Surveyors' fees and storage costs, which again insurance doesn't properly cover. I'm betting that he will have to refund the insurance company out of any payout that he gets but the extra costs have been incurred to himself perhaps including those of medical care and other contents he had on board not to mention injury. It also isn't clear whether the Writ was his Writ or one by the insurance company. Either way he sounds as if he knows what he's doing! Love the fact that someone also says he's inexperienced without even knowing that. The boat burst into flames ffs!
.
So are road works in Millbrook still for the flyover repairs as you state?
.
She gets as good as she gives as a result. Live by the sword die by the sword.
A post from you which contains no insults, is rare indeed. Talk to me about ad hominem.
.
What are your thoughts on inquiry and enquiry?
The Salv
says...
10:46pm Mon 9 Jul 12
.
These ads are too much, is there any space left for the news?
IronLady2010
says...
10:48pm Mon 9 Jul 12
The Salv wrote:I don't see any ads, I chose to use adblocker when I browse.
ECHO do you have to show us a photo of a dead dog?
.
These ads are too much, is there any space left for the news?
Poppy22
says...
12:42am Tue 10 Jul 12
dolomiteman
says...
3:04am Tue 10 Jul 12
Echo Justice wrote:How can it be insurance fraud when he is not claiming through his insurers or are you ranting about something that has nothing to do with the article?
Verdict: Guilty of having too much wealth, and committing insurance fraud.
Sentence: Take their jobs away, and force them to give all their money to THE TAXPAYER. Then put them in the stocks and pelt them with rancid tomatoes. And fine them infinity billion pounds. And kill their children. Scum
Ginger_cyclist
says...
5:09pm Wed 11 Jul 12
St Retford says...
12:19pm Mon 9 Jul 12