Investigation and inquest
On 13 December 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Neil James STEWART. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 27 September 2021. The conclusion of the inquest was
Accidental death by drowning.
The medical cause of death was:
1a Drowning
1b
1c
II
Circumstances of the death
Neil James Stewart was born on the 13th October 1987. He travelled to Amsterdam in November 2017 with his girlfriend and friends. On 18th November 2017 he boarded a party boat (organised by Bounce Til I Die (BTID)) which was sailing on the Noordzeekanaal waters around Amsterdam. He was witnessed to jump from the boat and enter the canal and sight of him was rapidly lost. His body was recovered from the said canal on the 3rd December 2017. The Noordzeekanaal is 13 miles (21 kilometers) long and 550 feet (170 meters) wide and 50 feet (15.5 meters) deep.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Create and adopt a written safety policy/protocol in which you clearly document the steps you will put in place to protect your guests, your expectation of them and their conduct and a clear warning of the risks associated with the events they may attend
(2) Create/adopt a written policy/protocol for providing services (entertainment) at a venue that is associated with risks unique/specific to that venue which should include bespoke warnings/guidance to be given to clients who attend.
(3) When providing entertainment services in venue where another provider is responsible for organisation, safety of guests – discuss with the provider the details and clearly document the distinction in those responsibilities and give guidance to guests accordingly