Dragging anchor and contact with overhead cable by sailing yacht Pinocchio resulting in fire and 1 person injured
Location: Near Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland.
Completed PE Summary: Yacht Pinocchio
A short summary of the accident and action taken:
| Recreational Craft/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Pinocchio |
| Registered Owner | Privately owned |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Yacht |
| Length Overall | 7.9m |
| Date/Time | 03/06/2004, 1428 |
| Location of Incident | Strangford harbour area |
| Incident Type | Contact and fire |
| Injuries/Fatalities | Owner suffered burns on right arm |
| Damage/Pollution | Constructive total loss of vessel |
Synopsis
While anchored in the Comber River, near Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland the yacht Pinocchio dragged her anchor and her masthead made contact with overhead 11,000 volt power cables. The owner received an electric shock and suffered burns to his right hand and arm. The yacht caught fire and was completely destroyed.
Action taken
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents wrote to the Northern Ireland Electricity Powerteam supporting the actions identified in their internal inquiry into the accident which included promulgating the lessons learned through the electricity supply industry.
Published 23 January 2015