'Lessons Must Be Learned' - Interim Report Released Following Fatal Boat Crash In The Solent

Lessons must be learned following a fatal boat crash in the Solent which claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl and injured several others.

The Marine Accident Investigation Bureau (MAIB) has published an interim report following a collision between the high speed passenger craft, Seadogz, and a navigation buoy, in August last year.

At 1008, Seadogz passed the car ferry Red Falcon, which was proceeding on a south-east course down Southampton Water. It offered the skipper an opportunity to drive Seadogz across, and so to jump over the ferry’s wake. As Seadogz passed astern of Red Falcon for the fifth time, the RIB - carrying the skipper and eleven passengers - collided with the North-West Netley buoy in Southampton Water at a speed of 38.4kts.

Prior to the collision, the RIB was seen weaving in and out of different wakes - including next to and behind a Red Funnel car ferry travelling from Southampton to the Isle of Wight.

During the collision two passengers were ejected overboard into the water where their lifejackets inflated. The remaining passengers and the skipper suffered varying degrees of injuries as the boat hit the buoy at just over 44mph.

Emily Lewis, a 15 year old girl, received fatal injuries when she was catapulted into the handrail directly in front of her seat.

According to the interim report, the urgent safety considerations identified were:

During the trip the passengers became accustomed to passing close by large navigation buoys at speed which resulted in them being unconcerned at the crafts approach to the buoy and so did not attempt to alert the skipper.

High speed figure of eight turns completed during the trip, increased the risk of hooking or spinning out.

The skipper was operating single-handedly, at high speed and did not see the navigation buoy, which was directly ahead, for 10 seconds before impact.

Safety recommendations:

All UK Operators of small commercial high speed craft such as Rigid Inflatable Boats, sports boats and other vessels engaged in carrying passengers on trips and charters 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. Where an operator cannot comply with the provisions outlined in the Code of Practice, steps should be taken to mitigate against risk, and details of those measures included in the relevant operating procedures.

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.

"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.”