MAIB Report: loss of control of the powerboat Awesome near Little Thatch Island, British Virgin Islands, resulting in two fatalities

Report on the investigation of the loss of control of the powerboat Awesome near Little Thatch Island, British Virgin Islands on 2 October 2022, resulting in two fatalities.

Summary:

On 2 October 2022, the mono-hulled offshore powerboat Awesome was returning to its home port when it unexpectedly veered to starboard, then rolled violently to port, ejecting 10 occupants. Awesome ended up in a vertical position, with its bow in the air, briefly staying afloat before it started to sink by the stern. Two of the occupants did not survive the accident.

The key safety issues identified were:

• Steering control was lost when a drive shaft failed and severed a hydraulic pipe feeding the steering system. The mechanical failure of a drive shaft occurred due to a lack of maintenance.
• The kill cords designed to stop the engines in an emergency were not being used.
• Both of the victims drowned. It is likely that they were both rendered unconscious during the accident, neither was wearing a PFD.

Awesome had seating for five people; at the time of the accident there were 11 people on board, including four children.

Safety recommendations:

• No safety recommendations made.

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Awesome Report:

https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NaLzcjhY2D1ZaavXB1mmdWjotg8xtuJKK8Gi_SLJH47wdQzKRp685xrm5RnIQRJeH1htZj7wgUwppcOBg_yjZla5o1NuAxlyBQlgNGi6wxAPY_VfKSrjo9PrGLu=s0-d-e1-ft#http://cdn.prgloo.com/media/364c56e11bf642d0bfcff6ca1323c5cd?width=100