Flooding and sinking of survey workboat Bella
Location: Approaches to Lynmouth, England.
Accident Investigation Report 10/2022
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken, and recommendations:
Summary
On 6 July 2021, 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; there was no pollution.
Safety Issues
-
the survey workboat 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 inexperienced and underestimated the risk of operating the vessel in open sea and were guided by an ineffective safety management system
-
the crew’s wearing of PFDs and familiarity with lifesaving equipment led to a safe and orderly abandonment
Recommendations
The Maritime Coastguard Agency has been recommended (2022/131) to Provide guidance to Certifying Authorities regarding the application of the Recreational Craft Directive when certifying vessels for commercial operation.
Bella’s owner has been recommended (2022/132) to implement a safety management system for its vessels that follows the principles of the ISM Code.
Related publications
Photograph credits
Vessel photograph courtesy of Geosight Ltd.