STUDENT SAFETY
More than 3,000 students in Bournemouth are living in halls, for many it is their first time away from home and with no parental guidance it is their first taste of independent living. Learning to cook and clean for themselves in itself can be a challenge, but how many of them are taking into consideration their personal safety?
Following the fatal attack of first year student Luke Campell, students have admitted to being complacent, Adelaide Allen, Vice president of the students union, encourages students to always be alert. “I was shocked the other day when a student said to me that she feels like she’s on holiday when she’s at university and so isn’t that careful. When living away from home I think you need to be more vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Students need to ensure someone knows where they are and if possible stay in groups late at night. I don’t think because of the murder students need to be worried but just be sensible and realise that their personal safety should be a high priority.”
Bournemouth is considered a relatively safe area to live but Miss Allen would still recommend that students carry a personal attack alarm. Presently they are not available from the University or Student Shop however; the Executive Committee are working on purchasing some to be available from the Students’ Union reception. “I think having an attack alarm can only help protect you when you’re out and about and I think both males and females should see the worth in buying one.”
First year student Elizabeth Stevenson, 19, from Bristol said “I wouldn’t buy one (personal attack alarm) as I think that there are better ways to stay safe. Personally I always make sure that I walk home in a group after a night out anyway.”
If students need any advice regarding anything mentioned in this article they are advised to pay Jane Devekey a visit. She has had extensive training with the Personal Safety Trust so that she is able to sort out any problems you might find yourself confronted with. She can be contacted by going to the Students Union above Dylan’s or alternatively via email, jdevekey @bournemouth.ac.uk.
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Fatalities after Toxic Spillage
An elderly couple have been killed after a highly toxic poison spilled into the water at Poole Harbour. This happened at the scene of a major collision between Sandbanks Passenger Ferry and an El Taurus Cargo Ferry earlier this morning.
The couple, who have not been identified, are thought to have been in their 80’s and it is feared that it was Lindane poisoning that caused their deaths.
A spokesman for the Coastguard said the bodies were found half a mile from the initial incident by a Danish Lifeboat crew.
So far more than 70 people have been admitted to hospital following the accident.
There is great concern for passengers from the Sandbanks Ferry who jumped overboard following the collision. The poison, Lindane, has been reported as potentially life threatening by Torben Lee, Pollution Consultant. In a press conference with the Environmental Agency it has been advised that everyone who has come into contact with the water to seek medical assistance immediately. Lindane is still being considered a great risk. There is to be a 48 hour exclusion zone between Sandbanks and Bournemouth Pier, where it has been advised that no swimming, dog walking, cycling or walking should take place until further notice. All lifeboat personnel have been asked to wear chemical protection gear and any coastal area south east of Sandbanks to Hengist Bury Head is to be avoided for the time being.
It is thought that the Lindane spillage was caused when one of the trucks on the El Taurus cargo ship came loose and was damaged during the collision with the Sandbanks Passenger Ferry. “Lindane will spread at an incredible rate” said Mr.Lee, but, chemical boons have been constructed to avoid any further contamination.
At 9.10 this morning passengers from the Sandbanks Ferry jumped into areas of water where strong currents have carried them out to sea along with tonnes of Lindane. Remaining Passengers are currently being evacuated. The Police and the
Coastguards are concerned for those who remain in the water for fear of the freezing temperatures as well as the Lindane, helicopters are currently rescuing all passengers stranded.
Nick Gosney, 72, Chief Loader, for Sandbank’s Ferries, witnessed the entire event from Poole Harbour. “It was pretty nasty”. He said. The unknown blue and white cargo ferry has “smashed” into the side of the Sandbanks chain ferry causing both boats to stop moving. The cargo ship was taking in a lot of water and sinking, it is thought that all cargo will be lost. Bridget Verdun. Owner of Torbay Seaways said she is “very sad for what has happened”. The vessel, on its first voyage, was scheduled to carry trucks to Cherbourg, France. It is unsure exactly how the two ships collided but the damage is horrifically clear. Most passengers that were onboard the Sandbanks Ferry have been accounted for as have the crew onboard the El Taurus, escaping with minor cuts and bruises.
An elderly couple have been killed after a highly toxic poison spilled into the water at Poole Harbour. This happened at the scene of a major collision between Sandbanks Passenger Ferry and an El Taurus Cargo Ferry earlier this morning.
The couple, who have not been identified, are thought to have been in their 80’s and it is feared that it was Lindane poisoning that caused their deaths.
A spokesman for the Coastguard said the bodies were found half a mile from the initial incident by a Danish Lifeboat crew.
So far more than 70 people have been admitted to hospital following the accident.
There is great concern for passengers from the Sandbanks Ferry who jumped overboard following the collision. The poison, Lindane, has been reported as potentially life threatening by Torben Lee, Pollution Consultant. In a press conference with the Environmental Agency it has been advised that everyone who has come into contact with the water to seek medical assistance immediately. Lindane is still being considered a great risk. There is to be a 48 hour exclusion zone between Sandbanks and Bournemouth Pier, where it has been advised that no swimming, dog walking, cycling or walking should take place until further notice. All lifeboat personnel have been asked to wear chemical protection gear and any coastal area south east of Sandbanks to Hengist Bury Head is to be avoided for the time being.
It is thought that the Lindane spillage was caused when one of the trucks on the El Taurus cargo ship came loose and was damaged during the collision with the Sandbanks Passenger Ferry. “Lindane will spread at an incredible rate” said Mr.Lee, but, chemical boons have been constructed to avoid any further contamination.
At 9.10 this morning passengers from the Sandbanks Ferry jumped into areas of water where strong currents have carried them out to sea along with tonnes of Lindane. Remaining Passengers are currently being evacuated. The Police and the
Coastguards are concerned for those who remain in the water for fear of the freezing temperatures as well as the Lindane, helicopters are currently rescuing all passengers stranded.
Nick Gosney, 72, Chief Loader, for Sandbank’s Ferries, witnessed the entire event from Poole Harbour. “It was pretty nasty”. He said. The unknown blue and white cargo ferry has “smashed” into the side of the Sandbanks chain ferry causing both boats to stop moving. The cargo ship was taking in a lot of water and sinking, it is thought that all cargo will be lost. Bridget Verdun. Owner of Torbay Seaways said she is “very sad for what has happened”. The vessel, on its first voyage, was scheduled to carry trucks to Cherbourg, France. It is unsure exactly how the two ships collided but the damage is horrifically clear. Most passengers that were onboard the Sandbanks Ferry have been accounted for as have the crew onboard the El Taurus, escaping with minor cuts and bruises.
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