Keel failure and capsize of charter yacht Tyger of London

Location: 1 nautical mile south of Punta Rasca, Tenerife

From:
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Published
31 October 2019
Vessel type:
Recreational craft - sail
Report type:
Investigation report
Date of occurrence:
7 December 2017

Accident Investigation Report 13/2019

Investigation report into marine accident including what happened, safety lessons learned and recommendation made:

MAIB investigation report 13-2019: Tyger of London

Annexes to MAIB investigation report 13-2019: Tyger of London

Yacht Tyger of London, the capsize and the keel

Summary

The UK registered charter yacht, Tyger of London, was sailing from La Gomera to Tenerife on the afternoon of 7 December 2017 when its keel failed suddenly and the yacht capsized. The crew, all wearing lifejackets, were thrown into the water and rescued by the British Army yacht, St Barbara V.

Safety issues

  • yacht’s keel failed because it had not been manufactured in accordance with the design
  • condition of the keel could not be monitored due to its unusual design
  • the swift action of the nearby yacht and the crew’s decision to wear life jackets ensured they survived
  • liferaft and emergency equipment on board the yacht could not be accessed, once the yacht had capsized

Statement from the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents

Recommendation

In June 2018, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents wrote to British Marine to recommend (2018/119) that manufacturers are required to provide guidance on the inspection and maintenance of keels fitted to their craft.

MAIB safety bulletin 3/2018: keel failures on sailing yachts

Published 31 October 2019