A coroner has found a well-known Invercargill man died from carbon monoxide poisoning during an overnight boating trip at Lake Manapouri, with a combination of factors contributing to the fatal outcome.
Richard Charles Murrell, 60, a car dealer from Invercargill, died between July 19 and 21, 2025, while aboard his boat Fishin’ On.
In findings released by Coroner Heather McKenzie, the cause of death was confirmed as: “Carbon monoxide toxicity in the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and alcohol use.”
Overnight Trip Turns Fatal
Mr Murrell had been on an overnight trip with friend Scott Allison. The pair initially planned to stay at Freeman Hut but instead chose to sleep on the boat at Safe Cove after finding the hut occupied.
They spent the evening cooking dinner and watching rugby, using a petrol generator on the deck to power a Starlink connection. A diesel heater, installed just two days earlier, was also used to keep warm.
The men went to bed around 10pm to 10.30pm after turning the heater off. However, it was later turned back on.
The next memory Mr Allison had was being woken in the early hours of July 21 by a rescue crew.
“The next thing Mr Allison remembers is a man… banging on the boat telling him to get onto the deck.”
Mr Allison survived but was unwell. Mr Murrell could not be revived.
“Vacuum Effect” Likely Contributed
Investigations found the likely source of carbon monoxide was the petrol generator, with fumes entering the cabin.
Testing showed exhaust gases travelled into the enclosed space via access points in the boat, while the diesel heater may have worsened the situation.
Maritime New Zealand advised the heater could have created a negative pressure effect:
“Operation of the diesel heater might have created a vacuum that drew in air from outside the cabin… polluted by the exhaust fumes from the generator.”
When both the heater and generator were operating together, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide built up within hours.
Contributing Health Factors
Post-mortem results showed Mr Murrell had a carbon monoxide saturation level of 54 percent, close to what is generally considered fatal.
Experts noted his existing heart condition and alcohol levels increased his vulnerability:
“The carbon monoxide level was nearing a lethal level but was not quite over the threshold… Mr Murrell’s heart disease and the alcohol in his system would have made him more susceptible.”
These factors likely explain why Mr Allison survived while Mr Murrell did not.
Safety Warnings for Boaties
The coroner endorsed several safety messages from Maritime New Zealand, including the importance of carbon monoxide awareness on boats.
Key advice includes:
- Installing carbon monoxide detectors in enclosed cabins
- Avoiding use of generators near living spaces
- Being cautious when using heaters alongside fuel-burning equipment
“The use of CO detectors provides an additional layer of protection enabling early warning of elevated CO levels.”
Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
The coroner extended condolences to Mr Murrell’s family, noting the purpose of the findings was to help prevent similar tragedies.