The unrelated incidents happened earlier this yearColin Chudley, a kayaker who passed away in April(Image: Greta Chudley)

Several safety changes have been promised on and around Bristol Harbour after two people died this spring. One of the options being considered is a map showing the nearest defibrillators, which can help to restart someone’s heart if they go into cardiac arrest.

Colin Chudley, 68, died after suffering a suspected heart attack on April 12 while kayaking alone on the Feeder canal. He received “immediate assistance” from members of the Bristol Rowing Club, a doctor on a Bristol Packet Boat, and paramedics.

The incident was highlighted in a new report given to Bristol City Council’s harbour committee. The report also referenced another harbour death on March 4, which was understood to be a suspected suicide.

A major operation was launched with police and fire crews searching the water, but the person could not be rescued. An update on safety concerns was given to the harbour committee on Tuesday, June 24.

Green Councillor Patrick McAllister, representing Hotwells and Harbourside, said: “It’s really sad that we’ve had two deaths around the docks recently.

“I was actually cycling past Feeder Road on the day [April 12], and had a chat with the ambulance workers who were there asking what was going on.

“So it’s really sad to hear that the kayaker died. I’m wondering if having more defibrillators around the harbour would be a useful idea, because we could absolutely get external funding for that.”

After the apparent suicide, one staff member at the harbour has taken on extra duties to prevent future deaths. These include drawing up a map of “problem areas”, although this is unlikely to be published but rather shared with other organisations for awareness.

Pete Seed, harbour master, said: “They’re engaging with suicide prevention, and they’re working very hard towards formulating a system where there’s proper records of incidents across the harbour. We’re establishing a map of problem areas where potentially other agencies can increase patrols.”

One way to prevent tragedies could be to publicise the locations of defibrillators near the water, to help other people who might suffer similar problems in future. Mr Seed said: “There’s a suggestion that we include on our website a map of defibrillators. We’re working on a way of doing that, without it being a snapshot, because obviously things change.

“We’re looking towards a link of defibrillators in the area.” He added that the kayaker, however, had received prompt medical attention and still could not be saved.

The harbour master is responsible for the harbour in Bristol(Image: Alex Seabrook)

Mr Seed explained: “He received very immediate assistance from a doctor who was on the Bristol Packet [ferry] and prompt attendance by the ambulance service.

“There’s very little we can see that we could have done to avoid that. It was somebody engaged in pastime, something they loved doing, they chose to do it alone. We don’t see that it’s our place to get in the way of somebody taking on an assumed risk and enjoying their pastime, unless that risk is impacting on other harbour users.”

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service confirmed that it was called to an incident on the harbour at 2.33pm on Saturday, April 12. A spokesperson added: “We sent one double-crewed land ambulance, a specialist paramedic, a first responder, a critical care car and the hazardous area response team to the scene.

“We conveyed one patient by land ambulance to Bristol Royal Infirmary.” Bristol Canoe Club shared its condolences following Mr Chudley’s death, in an email circulated to members and published online.

It said at the time: “This news has come as a profound shock to everyone who knew Colin, and the circumstances of his passing are particularly distressing for our club. Colin was a highly experienced member who frequently paddled solo to maintain his fitness and training.

“Even at 68, he was our most prolific Hasler racer, having competed in over 100 races since results were first published on the Internet from 2010 onwards – and likely many more before that.” The club also commended the actions of people who “bravely” intervened to try to save him.