Woman, 80, dies in tragic canal boat accident
AWOMAN has died after a horror canal boating accident. Margaret Moya Campbell Sanderson, 80, passed away after falling into the Macclesfield Canal at Lyme Green and becoming trapped beneath the boat.
Passers-by jumped into the water to try to save her and she was rushed to Macclesfield Hospital where she died the following day.
Mrs Sanderson, a retired receptionist from Southport, died of multi organ failure caused by ‘near drowning’, the opening of an inquest into her death was told.
Coun Lesley Smetham, who represents Gawsworth ward, described the accident as ‘absolutely awful’. She said: “It’s so sad that a lady out on our wonderful canal could suffer a dreadful accident like that.
“We should recognise the efforts of the guys who jumped in trying to save her.”
MEMBERS of the community have spoken of their shock after an elderly woman died following a canal boat accident.
Margaret Sanderson, 80, died after falling into the Macclesfield Canal at Lyme Green and becoming trapped beneath the boat.
Witnesses said two passing dog walkers and jumped in the water.
The three men used a rope to pull her onto the bank, before police officers arrived. She was taken to Macclesfield Hospital but died the following day, July 14.
The incident happened between bridges 46 and 47.
Coun Lesley Smetham, who represents Gawsworth ward, described the accident as ‘absolutely awful’. She sad: “It’s so sad that a lady out enjoying her retirement on our wonderful canal could suffer a dreadful accident like that.
“We should recognise the efforts of the guys who jumped in trying to save her and for the work of emergency services. It’s a tragic thing to happen and my thoughts are with her family.”
Councillor Hilda Gaddum, who represents Sutton ward, shared the sense of shock, adding: “It is a terrible tragedy. I am very saddened to hear about the lady.”
A witness, who did not want to be identified, said: “The husband asked for his help saying his wife had fallen in. Eventually they managed to pull her onto the bank.”
Mrs Sanderson, who was from Southport, fell at around 10am on Wednesday, July 13.
Iain Bowles, who runs Moss Head Boarding Kennels and cared for the couple’s dog following the accident, also went out to help. He said: “They had come through Bridge 47 and she fell off the back of the boat. It was really distressing.”
Police closed the canal for two hours during the recovery and investigation.
David Baldacchino, waterway manager at the Canal and River Trust, which manages Macclesfield Canal, said fatalities on the canal network were ‘very rare’.
He said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic accident where a lady died after falling into the Macclesfield Canal and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
An inquest into her death was told Mrs Sanderson died from multi organ failure caused by ‘near drowning’. It has now been adjourned.
Police, paramedics from North West Ambulance Service, North West Air Ambulance and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Macclesfield and Poynton all attended.