Martin Ellis

PFD Report Historic (No Identified Response) Ref: 2020-0028
Date of Report 13 February 2020
Coroner Mary Hassell
Response Deadline est. 9 April 2020
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
Easy public access to a restricted dam, inadequate signage, and exposed live wiring led to an electrocution, with no explanation or report on building regulations enforcement provided.
View full coroner's concerns
1. The dam is apparently not open to members of the public, but Mr Ellis and his family were able to visit it with ease, not even knowing that it was restricted, still less having access prevented.

2. I found at inquest that the only warning sign was old, in poor repair and covered by foliage, so could not be seen.

3. I accepted evidence in court that construction workers did not warn the family off visiting the dam, but rather gave them directions on how to get there and where to park their car.

4. The electrocution was caused by exposed live wiring in a galvanised metal conduit.

I understand that the Chief Electrical Officer visited the site in the days after Mr Ellis’s death and that the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour is responsible for the Saint Lucia investigation. However, six months after Mr Ellis’s death, no explanation has been provided to his family or to HM Senior Coroner for Inner North London, as to why there was an exposed live wire. Despite repeated requests, neither Mr Ellis’s family nor I have been provided with a copy of the Chief Electrical Officer’s report.

5. The dam was built in 1996. I do not know whether the unsafe wiring is a result of a lack of appropriate building regulations enforcement. I do not know whether other constructions built at around the same time are unsafe.
Sent To
  • High Commissioner for Saint Lucia to the UK
Response Status
Linked responses 0 of 1
56-Day Deadline 9 Apr 2020
About PFD responses

Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.

Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 13 September 2020, I commenced an investigation into the death of Martin Edward Ellis, aged 69 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest earlier today. I made a narrative determination, a copy of which I attach.
Circumstances of the Death
Mr Ellis was electrocuted at the Sir John Compton Dam in Saint Lucia, while holidaying there with his family.

The Water and Sewerage Company, WASCO, is the public sector water utility company, funded and managed by central government, responsible for water supply on the island. This includes responsibility for the dam.
Related Inquiry Recommendations

Public inquiry recommendations addressing similar themes

Review CCTV monitoring SIA licence requirements
Manchester Arena Inquiry
Unregulated recreation safety
Enact Protect Duty into law
Manchester Arena Inquiry
Unregulated recreation safety
Establish standard for event healthcare services
Manchester Arena Inquiry
Unregulated recreation safety
Mandatory Ambulance Liaison Officer at events
Manchester Arena Inquiry
Unregulated recreation safety
Employer requirement to train in first aid
Manchester Arena Inquiry
Unregulated recreation safety
Review licensing for security contractors
Manchester Arena Inquiry
Unregulated recreation safety
Replace Buried Metallic LPG Pipes
ICL Inquiry
Public Infrastructure Physical Hazards
New LPG Safety Regime
ICL Inquiry
Public Infrastructure Physical Hazards
LPG Supplier Registration
ICL Inquiry
Public Infrastructure Physical Hazards
Polyethylene Piping Research
ICL Inquiry
Public Infrastructure Physical Hazards

Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.