Survey vessel sinking report

The UK survey workboat Bella flooded and sank while carrying out hydrographic survey operations in the approaches to Lynmouth, England.

Bella’s crew abandoned into the liferaft and were rescued uninjured by a local boat owner and there was no there was no pollution spill caused by the incident.

Safety issues

The MAIB’s report identified a number of key safety issues involved in the incident.

Bella was vulnerable to swamping, even in moderate sea conditions, because its multibeam echo sounder gantry, reduced its forward freeboard.

Despite being issued with the necessary certification, Bella was not compliant with The Workboat Code. Shortcomings in construction and means of flotation were missed during the certifying survey due to the surveyor’s overreliance on Recreational Craft Directive documentation.

Bella’s crew were found to be inexperienced and underestimated the risk of operating the vessel in open sea and they were guided by an ineffective safety management system.

Thankfully, the crew’s wearing of PFDs and familiarity with lifesaving equipment led to a safe and orderly abandonment of the vessel.

The Maritime Coastguard Agency has been asked to provide guidance to Certifying Authorities regarding the application of the Recreational Craft Directive when certifying vessels for commercial operation.

Bella’s owner meanwhile has been advised to implement a safety management system for its vessels that follows the principles of the ISM Code.