Safety issues highlighted after woman dies after falling overboard from boat off the Isle of Wight
A crew member lost her life when she fell overboard from a SONAR class keelboat while racing off Cowes
Last updated 24th Apr 2025
An investigation into the death of a woman who feel overboard from a boat while racing off the Isle of Wight has highlighted several safety issues.
A crew member lost her life when she fell from a SONAR class keelboat while racing off Cowes in 2022.
Her crewmates were unable to recover her from the water before she succumbed to the effects of immersion.
When extra help arrived, she was quickly removed from the water, first aid was administered, and she was taken ashore.
Despite the efforts of the emergency services and medically qualified passersby she could not be revived.
A report on the investigation has now been released.
The key safety issues identified were:
Although she was wearing a correctly fitting lifejacket and appropriate sailing clothing, the crew member rapidly succumbed to the effects of immersion and was unable to assist with her own recovery.
The activity’s risk assessment was incomplete as it did not consider how individuals who had fallen overboard would be recovered from the water.
The crew were insufficiently trained and practised in the recovery of a person overboard.
Safety recommendations
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is recommended to review the definition of the term ‘Pleasure Vessel’ to clarify that vessels operated by organisations and charities to take vulnerable adults and children afloat do not fall within the scope of that definition.
The Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group is recommended to bring this report to the attention of local authorities and invite them to consider oversight of waterborne charitable activities within their jurisdictions.
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, said:
“Any boating activity carries the risk of a person falling in the water. It is important that skippers and event organisers conduct an appropriate assessment to determine the level of assistance that might be required – such as equipment, personnel or support craft – to ensure the timely recovery of a person from the water. Additionally, vessel crews must be practised in the recovery of people from the water and be familiar with their rescue equipment.
“Not every event or outing requires bespoke equipment but it may be necessary, especially when sailing with people whose ability to assist with their own recovery might be impaired.
"All skippers should consider how they and their crew will recover an unconscious person from the water in a timely manner and ensure they and their crew practise thoroughly for such an event.”