Teen praised for boat explosion bravery
A boat exploded suddenly while docked with two people on board
- Published
A 16-year-old girl has been praised for her response to a boat explosion at the marina where she works.
Olivia, from Maidenhead, ran to the aid of two men on board the boat when it exploded while docked in Bourne End Marina, Buckinghamshire.
One of the men on board, 80-year-old Kevin Healy, from Sheffield, said she had been "exceedingly brave".
"We got away with our lives and Olivia was very much part of that," he said.
Mr Healy said he and a friend were planning to cruise up to Marlow on Tuesday 18 June, and refuelled the boat in the standard way.
"Upon turning the key the engine turned over... and within about two seconds of that there was an absolutely total violent explosion with an immediate fire," he said.
Mr Healy managed to get clear by himself but his friend was blown backwards and Olivia, who was cleaning a nearby boat, "very gallantly and without any regard of her own safety" came running to help.
She later brought a cold flannel for Mr Healy's friend to put on his burns.
"That was so kind," said Mr Healy.
Mr Healy said he was lucky to be alive after the blast
Olivia, who works part-time at the marina, said she had her headphones on at the time of the blast, "which is quite lucky".
"One man was already off the boat and I helped the other man out of the boat," she said.
She said she acted on instinct, adding: "I think everyone would have done it."
But Mr Healy disagreed, saying "a lot of people would have just run away".
"She was exceedingly brave to come immediately without any regard for her own personal safety to help me and the others," he said.
Police said the evidence suggested the explosion was an accident
Both men are now recovering from their injuries.
The boat that exploded was a Chris Craft Corsair 25, which can be worth up to £120,000.
The fire also spread to a neighbouring boat, thought to be worth around £40,000.
Thames Valley Police said they had investigated the incident but that "the evidence found indicates this was an accident".
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