escaped death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Health officials have joined the Marine and Ports section to caution those on the water of the possible dangers of using generators and powered equipment while moored.

They spoke out after four middle-aged people were found overcome by carbon monoxide fumes on the Phantom moored in Castle Harbour on Friday.

A fellow sailer discovered the two couples early in the morning, after realising something was wrong, and raised the alarm.

First aid was administered at the scene and all were taken to hospital, where one man is still being treated.

One senior marine professional said there could easily have been four deaths.

He said: "It was a very close call.'' Officials believe the accident happened when an air conditioning unit was left on overnight and exhaust fumes were blown into the cabin, which was closed down.

Both vessels had been tied together and moored so they did not move with the wind. When the wind changed direction, it is understood it blew the poisonous gases back into one of the vessels.

Dr. Edward Shultz, director of emergency services at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital said the four people had very serious cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.

"They were very fortunate,'' he said. "One person is still in hospital and is doing well.'' The victims were treated in the hospital's recompression chamber.

Now the Water Safety Council have called on all boat operators to fit carbon monoxide alarms to their vessels and to allow vessels to swing free to allow the gases to escape.

A spokesman said: "It was fortunate that the four people were found in time.

"With the increased use of air conditioning on boats owners are cautioned to take particular care when living aboard to ensure there are no exhaust leaks or possibility of re-circulation of exhaust gases in the living quarters.'' Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, nausea and drowsiness. During sleep the victim could die without waking up.

The gas damages the nervous system and slowly suffocates.

Dr. Shultz said it was important that people reviewed all places where there could be a potential problem with carbon monoxide.

He said it was most important that people did not use barbecues and other camping cookers indoors, as the fumes from them could kill easily in a small space of time.

And during the hurricane season it was also important that people were cautious with temporary cooking facilities that were often used when electricity was cut.

SAILING SLG HEALTH HTH