The Marine Accident Investigation Brand (MAIB) has published its accident investigation report into the grounding of swim support motor vessel Channel Queen near the Needles lighthouse off the Isle of Wight in July 2023. 

The incident occurred while the motor vessel escorted a charity swim event around the island. According to the report, the 16-metre Channel Queen grounded as it passed over the wreck of the 114-metre cargo ship Varvassi. The wreck was unmarked but clearly identified on paper and electronic charts.

Following the incident, the vessel was deliberately beached in nearby Scratchell’s Bay, striking a rock as it did so. Passengers and crew were safely evacuated, resulting in some minor injuries, to a RIB and liferaft before being transferred to an RNLI lifeboat mobilised by the Solent coastguard. The Channel Queen was subsequently declared a total loss. 

Chief inspector of marine accidents, Andrew Moll, says: “Once the hull of Channel Queen was holed, it was fortunate that the boat was beached before it could sink, which gave the occupants time to disembark safely. In only slightly different circumstances, the outcome could have been much more serious. 

“The four stages of passage planning, appraisal, planning, execution and monitoring, are well tried and tested. Had they been followed during this event, particularly as Channel Queen was operating very close inshore, the accident could have been avoided.”

MAIB’s investigation concluded that the vessel was grounded due to a lack of a navigational passage plan and the lack of navigation equipment used to execute a safe passage. Prior to grounding, the captain disembarked to a kayak – a normalised procedure during previous swim support events when additional crew can take command. However, the process of handing over the helm lacked formality to an unqualified owner. The report ruled that the captain and owner prioritised the event over safe navigation.

In response to the findings, MAIB – which recently issued a safety report after a man hit by a propeller in Orkney died – has recommended that Swimon Proprietary Limited implement various procedures to ensure future support vessels’ safe running. The advice states that vessels operated by Swimon, or engaged in its events, are crewed by a sufficient number of suitably qualified crew who always remain onboard. It also suggests reviewing navigation and passage planning methods on all vessels to ensure recommended practices are followed, including proper use of charts and systems. 

MIN regularly reports on MAIB’s marine accident conclusions. Further details about the Channel Queen are available to read and download online.

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