'We thought it would have been safe': Holidaymaker died after being swept away by a strong current after slipping as he stepped onto a rented boat with no safety railings By Andrew Levy Published: 00:30, 23 August 2024 | Updated: 00:31, 23 August 2024 e-mail View comments A holidaymaker drowned in a freak accident when he slipped while climbing onto a rented boat and fell into the water before being carried away by a strong current. Callum Bell, 58, was enjoying a break on the tranquil Norfolk Broads with his partner Diane Simmonds and other family members as part of his recovery from a stroke he suffered earlier this year when he tried to board the moored 44ft vessel. He was not wearing a life jacket when he lost his footing at the stern and plunged into the River Bure in Great Yarmouth.
His death was the four water-related tragedy in four days in the holiday hotspot county, prompting a safety charity to warn people to take more care. Grieving Ms Simmonds, who was with her sister and her partner, criticised the lack of railings to grab hold of. She told the Mail: 'There are no safety rails at the back of the boat, which is the only entrance and exit.
Callum tripped on the step with nothing to hold onto then rolled into the river. Callum Bell, 58, (pictured) died after slipping from a boat without safety railings 'If safety barrier was there, it would have stopped him rolling in. We wore safety jackets when travelling on the boat but not to go out in the town so on entering t.