Martin Edward ELLIS · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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.

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.

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.