The UK MAIB issued an urgent safety warning on the aftermath of a sailing boat fatality related to retractable keels or retractable weighted centreboards. MAIB is currently undertaking a preliminary assessment of the circumstances that led to the capsize of an RS Venture Connect sailing boat on Windermere, resulting in death of a disabled crewman.
The incident
At approximately 1220 on 12 June 2019, a RS Venture Connect sailing boat fully inverted, its crew comprised an assistant instructor and an experienced disabled crewman.
The boat was knocked down in the windy conditions on the day and heeled to such an extent that the keel fully retracted.
During the subsequent capsize, the disabled crewman became trapped under the inverted boat.
The safety boat crew saw the accident and attended the scene quickly, but had difficulty righting the boat and so were unable to reach the crewman in sufficient time to effect a successful rescue.
It was found that the retractable keel restraining VelcroTM strap was not fitted, allowing the keel to move freely in its housing.
Findings
- The sailing boat was fitted with a 125kg lead bulb vertical retractable keel that afforded additional stability and could be raised to facilitate recovery from the water and transportation.
- The post-accident inspection of the boat, together with photographic evidence from the day, has identified that the restraining device for the keel, a Velcro strap, designed to secure the keel in the lowered position, was not in place.
- During the capsize the assistant instructor was able to swim clear but the disabled crewman became trapped under the inverted hull.
- The safety boat crew saw the accident and attended the scene quickly, but had difficulty righting the boat and so were unable to reach the crewman in sufficient time to effect a successful rescue.
- The importance of securing the retractable keel was highlighted in the manufacturer’s rigging guide for the boat. However, this accident demonstrates that some users may not be aware of how critical this is.
Actions taken
RS Sailing has contacted all registered owners of RS Venture Connect boats, reiterating the instructions regarding the importance of ensuring the keel securing strap is correctly fitted prior to use.
Lessons learned
To prevent a similar accident, owners and operators of boats with either a retractable keel or retractable weighted centreboard, regardless of make or model, are recommended to ensure that:
- Prior to use, checks should be made to ensure the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the securing of the keel or weighted centreboard have been followed.
- Their procedures and drills for recovering a capsized boat include the scenario where the keel or centreboard has retracted from its ‘lowered’ position.
