An interim report into the investigation of a fatal boat crash in the Solent which saw a 15-year-old lose their life has been published by the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau (MAIB).
The report follows a collision between a high-speed passenger RIB named Seadogz and a navigation buoy in August last year (2020), which was reported on at the time by Island Echo.
At 11:02 on August 22nd the vessel collided with the North West Netley buoy at a speed of 38.4 knots (44mph). The vessel, which had been carrying its skipper and 11 passengers, had been seen weaving in and out of different wakes including those generated by a Red Funnel ferry.
2 passengers were thrown into the water following the collision, with the remaining passengers and the skipper suffering injuries of varying severity. A 15-year-old girl, later identified as Emily Lewis, received fatal injuries when she was catapulted into the handrail in front of her seat.
The interim report released by the MAIB today (Thursday) has highlighted urgent safety considerations including the fact that during the trip, the passengers had become accustomed to passing close to large navigation buoys at speed, so did not attempt to alert the skipper with any concerns about a possible collision.
Other notes were mentioned, including the fact that the skipper was operating the vessel singlehandedly and at high speed, and did not see the navigation buoy which had been directly ahead of the vessel for 10 seconds before the impact.
Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, said:
“There are many aspects to this tragic accident, and the MAIB’s investigation is ongoing. However, there are some immediate lessons that can be learned now that will help avoid a repetition this summer, which is why the MAIB is releasing an interim report.
Article continues below this advertisement “In response to an MAIB investigation in 2010, the Passenger Safety on Small Commercial High Speed Craft & Experience Rides voluntary Code of Practice (CoP) was published. The Code was written by industry experts to recommend and promote common safe working practices for the industry. What is concerning, is that few of the safe working practices in the voluntary CoP were being followed on the day of the accident.
“These rides can provide excitement, entertainment and fun, and for this reason they are popular. However, this dreadful accident saw nine people sustain very serious injuries and tragically cost the life of a young person.
“As the holiday season approaches, I want to remind operators that they also have a duty of care for their passengers, and safety should not be compromised in pursuit of a thrill.”
Operators of small commercial high-speed craft such as RIBs and sports boats are recommended to review the risk assessments for the operation of their vessels and take measures, as appropriate, to ensure that they comply with the safe working practices and standards contained in the Passenger Safety on Small Commercial High Speed Craft & Experience Rides voluntary Code of Practice.
The Marine Accident Investigation Bureau investigation into the incident continues.
