Loss of control of powerboat Awesome with loss of 2 lives
Location: near Little Thatch Island, British Virgin Islands.
Accident Investigation Report 2/2024
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened and subsequent actions taken:
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.
Safety issues
-
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
Related publications
A safety flyer to the recreational craft industry and pleasure craft owners and users was produced with this report to highlight the need for regular maintenance, the importance of wearing PFDs and kill cords and the role of training in raising awareness.