A British teenager who died after a boat explosion on a family holiday in the Dominican Republic succumbed to septicaemia, an inquest has heard. Abigail Lainton, 16, was on a tourist vessel from Saona Island when it exploded, leaving her with severe burns.
Incident details
The boat was carrying around 35 tourists in Cotubanamá National Park when the explosion ripped the deck apart. Abigail, known as Abbie, was among 24 people injured, with 11 taken to hospital. She was placed in intensive care in La Romana after sustaining first and second degree burns on 60% of her body. She died at 9pm on July 30, three days after the incident.
An inquest in the UK has now been told her cause of death was septicaemia, or blood poisoning, as a result of pulmonary edema.
Family and tributes
Abbie's siblings, Carley and Bradley, were also taken to hospital, but their condition is unknown. A GoFundMe page for the family has raised more than £26,000 of its £30,000 target.
Family friend Becky Jamieson said: 'Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results. She was so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her. For Abbie. Forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten.'
Witness account
Gisell Segovia and her husband Navin Torres, 35, were on the boat and saw Abbie badly wounded. Torres said he had concerns about the boat when boarding, recalling it smelled like 'gasoline' and appeared overcrowded, but staff assured them it was safe. The couple heard a loud popping sound before fire spread across the vessel. Torres pushed his wife into the water as flames engulfed the boat, adding that Abbie fought like a 'warrior' and 'did not go out without a fight'.
A Dominican Republic official described the incident as 'very tragic', saying it had 'touched everyone on the island'. The official added: 'We will offer every assistance that we can during this sorrowful time. Our prayers are with the family.'
Community mourning
Members of Abbie's cheerleading squad, Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club, were left 'heartbroken'. A spokesperson said: 'There are simply no words that feel enough. Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family. Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years. She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken.'
Abbie's school, Tandwood School of Performing Arts, said in a statement: 'Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together.' The school said she 'always performed with a huge smile' and will 'always be in our hearts.'
