Fire Brigades Union responds to report into “avoidable tragedy” at Cleddau Estuary

Fire Brigades Union responds to report into “avoidable tragedy” at Cleddau Estuary

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has broadly welcomed the recommendations of a report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch into the water training accident that resulted in the death of Firefighter Josh Gardener of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Andy Dark, FBU assistant general secretary, said:

“Josh’s death was an avoidable tragedy that occurred during a training event which should have been well-planned and well-controlled.  Our thoughts today are first and foremost with his family and the FBU will continue to provide as much support to them as possible.

“We have seen all too many fatal and near-fatal incidents involving firefighters undertaking water training, both inland and now, in this case, in tidal waters. The report’s recommendations appear to address both categories, which will be crucial to preventing further losses of life.

“The issues identified in this report must be addressed and individual firefighters must not be blamed for systemic, organisational, and procedural failings.

“We broadly support the recommendations of this report, which must be implemented swiftly and carefully, with full oversight of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Ministers should take serious note of the need for national standards in this area and develop a comprehensive set of statutory minimum standards for all fire and rescue services in the UK.”