Andrea McHugh · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 27/07/2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Andrea McHugh whose date of birth was 10/07/1988. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 31/01/2018. The medical cause of death was:

1a) Drowning

The conclusion was Accidental death

Andrea Marie McHugh went on holiday to Cuba in June 2016. She was a young lady who was diagnosed in 2006 with epilepsy. In 2015 she was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy and had a brain operation. Following the surgery she continued to experience seizures around once per month.

Andrea booked her holiday with Thomas Cook. She arranged to go on a boat trip on 17th June 2016 to swim with the dolphins and later snorkel which was organised by Grupo Turismo Gaviota S.A.

Whilst snorkelling it was noted that Andrea was floating in the sea. She was brought onto the boat where resuscitation measures were attempted and she was later conveyed to hospital where her death was confirmed on the same date at 11.20 hours.

1) Marinas Gaviota S.A allegedly require participants in the boat and snorkelling trip to sign a waiver. (copy attached). The waiver does not mention the dangers of swimming in the sea if a participant suffers from epilepsy.
2) Additionally the waiver does not request details of participants past medical history.