Witnesses Recall Tragedy as Couple Die in Flood

Published: 19 November 2025 Wednesday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A tragic story of heroism and heartbreak unfolded in Liverpool in August 2023, when a couple in their seventies drowned after their car became trapped in rapidly rising floodwaters. Philip Marco, 77, and his wife Elaine Marco, 76, were seen by witnesses attempting to escape the deluge on Queens Drive, a stretch of road that dips beneath a railway bridge, before they were swept away by a torrent of water. The inquest into their deaths has revealed a vivid and harrowing account of the events leading up to the tragedy, highlighting both the destructive power of nature and the instinctive courage of a man trying to save his lifelong partner.

The Marcos, who had been married for almost 54 years and were just days away from celebrating their anniversary, had spent the evening at their son Joshua Marco’s home to mark his 40th birthday on 26 August 2023. After the celebrations, they left the family gathering and, after dropping their other son, Simon, at his home around 9:00 pm BST, set off for their residence in Mossley Hill. It was a journey that would end in disaster, as a sudden downpour overwhelmed the city’s drainage system and caused flash flooding that transformed Queens Drive into a perilous river-like torrent.

Senior firefighter Neil Mooney of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service painted a vivid picture of the scene at the inquest. He told the hearing that the water levels were akin to “the River Mersey on a stormy night” and that the undercurrents were strong enough to knock firefighters off their feet. Station Manager Mooney recalled that the water had reached an estimated height of between 12 and 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 metres) at the flood’s peak, before beginning to recede around 10:30 pm. His testimony emphasized the suddenness and intensity of the flooding, a flash event that left even experienced emergency personnel struggling to respond safely.

Eyewitness accounts provided some of the most poignant moments at the inquest, highlighting Philip Marco’s instinctive bravery. Taxi driver Mahamoud Ahmed told the hearing he saw the Marcos’ vehicle become partially submerged and witnessed a man walking toward him, waving and shouting. He described seeing what appeared to be a man carrying someone before disappearing under the water. “I couldn’t get closer,” he said, reflecting the limitations faced by onlookers as the floodwater surged violently under the bridge. Another witness, Zoe Tater, recounted seeing a bald-headed man swept away beneath the rising water, describing the scene as “like a huge lake.” Matthew Davies, another onlooker, thought he saw water spurting like a torrent from what appeared to be a burst pipe under the bridge, adding to the chaos and danger of the moment.

The inquest heard that an investigation concluded in February following the tragedy found the flood was caused by a sewer unable to cope with the extraordinary rainfall. The intensity of the rain had overwhelmed the drainage system, resulting in a sudden and destructive flash flood on a road normally considered safe. The event underscores how even familiar urban areas can quickly become perilous under extreme weather conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

Philip and Elaine Marco’s daughters became emotional as the testimony unfolded, reliving the night their parents lost their lives. The inquest highlighted the human toll of such events, illustrating how natural disasters can have profound effects on families, communities, and first responders alike. In addition to the witnesses’ accounts, the timeline of discovery by emergency services was recounted. Officers first located Elaine Marco’s body in the water, followed approximately 40 minutes later by that of her husband. The delay between the recoveries highlighted the unpredictable and relentless force of the floodwaters and the immense challenge faced by emergency personnel.

Philip Marco’s courage, however, was unmistakable. The inquest testimony suggests that he was seen attempting to protect or carry his wife to safety even as the waters surged around them. His instinct to prioritize his spouse’s safety above his own is a testament to the profound bonds of lifelong partnership, a detail that resonated deeply with those in attendance at the hearing. Witness Mahamoud Ahmed’s recollection of seeing a man appearing to carry someone before being swept away captured the desperate struggle between human determination and the unstoppable force of nature.

The flooding on Queens Drive and its consequences also drew attention to broader infrastructure concerns. As the UK experiences increasingly frequent and severe weather events linked to climate change, the vulnerability of urban drainage systems has come under scrutiny. Experts argue that flash floods such as this one highlight the need for improved urban planning, investment in flood defences, and better early-warning systems to protect residents and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Emergency services praised the bravery of their personnel, who were operating in extremely dangerous conditions. Station Manager Mooney noted that firefighters were confronting strong currents that could have easily swept them away, yet they remained committed to trying to assist anyone caught in the floodwaters. The inquest testimony portrayed the flood not just as a natural disaster but as a scenario where heroism and risk were inseparably intertwined.

For the community in Liverpool, the Marcos’ deaths serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the face of extreme weather. Neighbours and residents have described the area under the railway bridge as particularly prone to flooding, with the road’s geography creating a natural basin that can quickly fill during heavy rainfall. Local authorities and residents alike have called for more robust safety measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The personal dimensions of the tragedy were underlined by the timing of the flood. The Marcos had been celebrating a milestone birthday and were on the threshold of marking more than half a century together. Their daughters spoke movingly about the character, kindness, and enduring partnership of their parents, emphasizing that the couple’s final moments reflected Philip Marco’s enduring care for Elaine. The narrative that emerged from the inquest is one not only of loss but also of human dignity, courage, and the profound bonds that define family life.

As climate scientists continue to warn of the rising frequency of extreme weather events across the UK, incidents such as the deaths of Philip and Elaine Marco have broader implications. They underscore the importance of combining personal caution with systemic resilience, including more accurate flood prediction, improved infrastructure, and community awareness programs. Public safety messaging, investment in flood defences, and emergency preparedness are increasingly essential as urban areas face higher risks from increasingly severe rainfall events.

The inquest into the Marcos’ deaths provides a sobering lens through which to view both the immediate human cost of flash flooding and the long-term challenges posed by climate change. It also offers a testament to the bravery of individuals confronted with life-threatening conditions, as well as the emotional and logistical complexity that emergency responders face in the midst of such crises. Philip Marco’s actions in trying to save his wife stand as a stark illustration of selflessness and love, even in the face of overwhelming danger.

Ultimately, the story of the Marcos is one of profound tragedy but also of human courage. It illustrates how ordinary individuals confronted by extraordinary circumstances can display remarkable acts of bravery. It is also a call to action for local and national authorities to take seriously the lessons learned from such incidents, to improve flood management and urban resilience, and to protect the most vulnerable members of society from the increasingly extreme conditions predicted by climate experts. The inquest ensures that the legacy of Philip and Elaine Marco, their courage, and their life together is remembered while also highlighting the urgent need for societal measures that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.