Keeping a good lookout 

A reminder of the importance of maintaining a proper lookout.

On 8 June 2014, in good visibility, the dredger Shoreway and yacht Orca collided 7 miles off Felixstowe resulting in the rapid sinking of the yacht and the loss of one life.

Orca was being sailed back to her berth in Harwich Haven.  The yacht’s skipper saw Shoreway in the deep water channel making her way from Harwich Haven and assumed the dredger would stay in the deep water channel.  Orca’s skipper went below for a short time having engaged the autopilot. Shoreway was about 1.6 miles from the yacht and the skipper assessed that there was not a collision risk.

However, the dredger changed course shortly afterwards which put Orca on collision course.  By the time the officer on watch, who was alone on the bridge, saw Orca a collision was unavoidable.

Orca’s skipper was rescued from the water by Shoreway’s rescue boat.  His automatic lifejacket had failed to inflate as the CO2 cylinder was not fitted correctly.  Despite a search the skipper’s wife could not be found; her body was recovered from the sunken vessel the next day. 

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is highlighting the following safety messages to recreational boaters:

• It is essential that all vessels maintain a proper lookout at all times
• Never assume that you have been seen by other vessels, nor that the other vessels will always take avoiding action
• Be aware of closing speeds between your vessel and other vessels
• Service lifejackets in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

The full MAIB safety flyer is available on the MAIB website.

Read more safety information.