Report into fatal rower overboard tragedy in the North Atlantic
The MAIB’s report on the investigation of the man overboard from the ocean rowing boat Toby Wallace in the North Atlantic Ocean with loss of one life on 30 December 2024 has been published.
The rower became separated from the boat because the leash he was wearing detached from his ankle and the boat could not be stopped in the prevailing conditions.
The rower’s likelihood of being found was reduced because he was not wearing a lifejacket or a personal locator beacon.
The boat was operating on a commercial basis but it was not certified as a commercial vessel.
This was the second occasion in two days in which rowers in an ocean rowing boat operated by Oceanus Rowing Ltd had been rescued in the North Atlantic Ocean by a passing merchant vessel. Earlier on 30 December 2024 the four crew of the ocean rowing boat Fire Ant were rescued by the Liberia registered bulk carrier Rio Grita after the boat was damaged in rough seas.
Ocean rowing is a niche sport that has grown in popularity, but the boats used and their operation, is largely unregulated. They are also vulnerable when on ocean passage, where assistance is rarely immediately at hand. Although elements of best practice for the sport have been established over the years, these have not yet been formalised or applied consistently.
Recommendations have been made to British Rowing, the governing body for ocean rowing in England, and to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency that are intended to improve the governance of UK registered ocean rowing boats and ensure minimum safety standards on board those that are commercially operated.
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