This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jan/15/fishermen-dead-boat-whitby-harbour-north-yorkshire

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Fishermen found dead on boat in Whitby Fishermen found dead on boat in Whitby
(about 2 hours later)
Two people, believed to be fishermen, have been found dead on a trawler in Whitby harbour, North Yorkshire police have confirmed. Two scallop fisherman have been found dead on a boat in Whitby harbour, North Yorkshire.
It is believed the men were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. A police investigation has begun, but the deaths are not being treated as suspicious. The Health and Safety Executive and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed of the deaths. It is believed the men were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. A police investigation has begun, but the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.
In a statement, North Yorkshire police said: "Officers were called at 9.55am to a boat moored in Whitby harbour after concern was raised for the safety of the occupants. On arrival they found the bodies of two people who had sadly been pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.In a statement, North Yorkshire police said: "Officers were called at 9.55am to a boat moored in Whitby harbour after concern was raised for the safety of the occupants. On arrival they found the bodies of two people who had sadly been pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
"The next of kin have not yet been informed of the deaths. Although the deaths are currently unexplained there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and no one else is being sought in connection with the incident." "Although the deaths are currently unexplained there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and no one else is being sought in connection with the incident."
A source close to the investigation added: "It is looking like it might be carbon monoxide poisoning. It does not look suspicious."A source close to the investigation added: "It is looking like it might be carbon monoxide poisoning. It does not look suspicious."
An ambulance and two police cars could be seen on a harbour webcam. Darren Butcher, a fishmonger, who watched the bodies being removed on orange stretchers, said: "It was a couple of lads who had slept on board. It's thought they were trying to warm up and put a gas ring on, it blew out and the gas has killed them."
Three trawlers could also be seen moored in the bay. The local Whitby Gazette said the boat where the bodies were found was a visiting scallop trawler. He added: "It wasn't until an oil tanker came and tried to wake them up that set the alarm off."
The dead men are believed to be young fisherman from Milford Haven, who had been scalloping at Whitby for several weeks.
Butcher said: "There are three or four boats here from Milford Haven. Some of the other lads from those jumped aboard, forced their way in, and found them in their beds."
The bodies of the two men were taken by dingy across the harbour to Whitby life boat station.
The Health and Safety Executive and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed of the deaths.
"Whitby is a very grim place to be in at the moment," said Shaun Wood, owner of Whitby Fish Sales. "Things like this shouldn't happen. These kind of deaths are avoidable. There should have be carbon monoxide alarms on board."
Typically fisherman earn £70 for a bag of scallops, with catches varying from between 10 to 30 bags. "It's hard way of earning a living," Wood said. He said poor wages forced many visiting fisherman to stay overnight in their boats.
"There is no other accommodation unless you pay, so the cheapest option is to sleep on board the boat," he said. "There's an awful lot that do it, including Filipinos. When their boats are in harbour that's their accommodation."
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.