Today, we have published our accident investigation report into a fatality following a person overboard from an Andrew Cassell Foundation Sonar keelboat on 1 October 2022 off Cowes, Isle of Wight, England.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, said:

Any boating activity carries the risk of a person falling in the water. It is important that skippers and event organisers conduct an appropriate assessment to determine the level of assistance that might be required – such as equipment, personnel or support craft – to ensure the timely recovery of a person from the water. Additionally, vessel crews must be practised in the recovery of people from the water and be familiar with their rescue equipment.

Not every event or outing requires bespoke equipment but it may be necessary, especially when sailing with people whose ability to assist with their own recovery might be impaired.

All skippers should consider how they and their crew will recover an unconscious person from the water in a timely manner and ensure they and their crew practise thoroughly for such an event.