A couple found dead on their boat in a village near Gnosall died of carbon monoxide poisoning, it was confirmed today.

The deaths of Michael Tudor and his girlfriend Karen Lesley Van-Rooyen are believed to have been caused by a fault in the boat’s outboard engine.

A friend discovered the couple lying dead, along with one of their two dogs, at Norbury Junction. 

They were found last Wednesday on the cruiser, called The Drunken Duck, moored next to The Junction pub and opposite Norbury Wharf. Mr Tudor, aged 46, and Miss Van-Rooyen, 42, had lived on the boat, on the Shropshire Union Canal, for some time.

Staffordshire Police spokesman Peter Bate said toxicology tests confirmed they died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

He said: “Although the deaths will still be subject to a full inquest, initial inquiries suggest that this was as a result of a fault in the boat’s outboard motor. Further tests on the boat are being carried out by British Waterways.”

Mr Bate added: “Police officers are not treating the deaths as suspicious but are preparing a full report for the coroner.”

British Waterways has now issued a warning to other boaters to take extra care with fuel-burning appliances.

Its Boat Safety Scheme manager Graham Watts said residential or intensive users of boats were most at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning.

“If fuel-burning appliances are on, or the petrol generator is running, anyone aboard showing the earliest symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, difficulty in thinking clearly and feeling sick, should get off the boat and seek medical help straight away,” he said.