Grounding Incident Report: Channel Queen’s Loss Near the Needles, Isle of Wight

Today, we have released our accident investigation report on the grounding and loss of the motor vessel Channel Queen. The incident occurred on 20 July 2023 as the vessel passed over a wreck near the Needles lighthouse, Isle of Wight, while escorting a relay swim event around the island.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, commented:

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“Once the hull of Channel Queen was breached, it was fortunate that the boat was beached before it could sink, allowing the occupants to disembark safely. In slightly different circumstances, the outcome could have been much more serious. The four stages of passage planning—appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring—are well established. If they had been followed during this event, especially given Channel Queen’s close inshore operation, the accident could have been prevented.”