An architect from Wiltshire who was skippering a luxury motorboat which crashed into a cliff in the West Wight last year is to appear in court.
Ian Sullivan, of The Orchard in South Marston, has been charged with ‘misconduct of master/crew likely to endanger ships/structures/individuals’ – an offence under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
It relates to an incident in Totland Bay back in September last year when the boat ‘Sully’ crashed head-on into a cliff near Headon Warren viewpoint. The incident, which happened in darkness at 21:17 on 22nd September 2022, led to Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter and 2 Coastguard Rescue Teams being scrambled to the scene.
Multiple casualties were taken off the wrecked vessel by the Coastguard helicopter, some with serious injuries.
The 55-year-old is accused of failing to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing and all available means appropriate, as well as failing to proceed at a safe speed so that he could take proper
and effective action to avoid a collision.
It’s alleged his actions caused or were likely to have caused the death or serious injury to a person, amounting to a breach or neglect of duty.
Mr Sullivan will appear before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court tomorrow afternoon (Thursday).
UPDATE ON THURSDAY – The case has been adjourned to Portsmouth Magistrates Court on 24th March for a District Judge to hearing the proceedings.
He must have been completely off his tits to confuse Headon Warren for open sea
Have a video of him minutes before, definitely off his tits,either that or showing off to some tits.
Post it and give us the link please.
Have you let the police know? Could have been used in the court case.
As his in court, this would be a good opportunity to fine him enough money
to clean up the mess his left on our shores after his big night in the hut.
Don’t worry it’s the same as the Southampton speed boat, Innocent
I hope he was charged the full cost for the helicopter that had to attend.
You can’t park there sir.
It’s not parked, it’s moored.
Its nether parked or moored, it has run aground.
I bet he’s another ‘yawt master’
Twat.
At a minimum he needs to supply compensation for the thousands of pounds that will otherwise be paid for by council tax payers, and emergency services paid for via various precepts.
More bad sailors will be along soon…..
About time these boat owners were done expecting the general public to pay for your rescue let’s see more of it !!!
RNLI a charity that helped him
Headon Warren owned by National Trust a charity now they have to clear someone’s toy
Coastguards volunteers Phew!!
And others!!
Still I see his boat left on this coastline
Surely he must have some guilt
Architects I don’t think earn an average salary