The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is working to determine whether it will be launching a full investigation into a fatal incident involving a crew member onboard a Border Force vessel in Cowes.
It was in November last year that emergency services raced to Cowes Yacht Haven following reports of an incident onboard HMC Vigilant – now known to involve one of its own crew members.
In response to the emergency, Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance scrambled one of its helicopters to land at the Isle of Wight Community Club. Flying medics were then transferred to the Yacht Haven to provide enhanced casualty care alongside colleagues from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard.
The casualty – a male – was flown directly to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, but later died.
Now, the MAIB is conducting a preliminary assessment to determine whether the circumstances of the death require a fuller investigation.
A spokesperson for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has told Island Echo:
“The MAIB is gathering evidence as part of the process of conducting a preliminary assessment into the fatality onboard HMC Vigilant on 23 November 2024 .
Article continues below this advertisement “A decision on whether or not an investigation will be launched will be taken once the evidence has been reviewed.”
The 42-metre-long Vigilant is 1 of 4 cutters operated by the Government’s Border Force team.
The Border Force- the irony.