The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) reported a total of 10 vessel groundings from February to December this year, with four of those incidents occurring between October and December alone. Photo: Government of the Vrigin Islands.

Vessel owners and operators have been urged to increase their vigilance while navigating the waters of the Virgin Islands due to a significant rise in vessel grounding incidents recently recorded in the territory. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The call for increased awareness was issued by Mr Jerome Padmore, the Chief Marine Accident Investigator in the Premier’s Office.

10 incidents recorded

The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) reported a total of 10 vessel groundings from February to December this year, with four of those incidents occurring between October and December alone. 

In a press release from MSIRA, Padmore noted, “This is a significant number, and it is concerning, especially given that the marine tourism season is just beginning. In fact, it highlights the urgent need to reinforce strict situational and navigational awareness when operating in local waters.” 

He further explained that, while each incident occurred under different circumstances—primarily involving bareboat charter catamarans—they all shared a common theme: diminished attention to the navigational environment, inadequate passage planning, and an over-reliance on electronic charts and systems.

Operators 'must remain vigilant'

Common causes of these incidents included lapses in concentration, misinterpretation of navigational tools, incorrect assessments of shallow areas, and excessive reliance on electronic navigation systems.

Mr Padmore emphasised, “In regions like the Virgin Islands, operators must remain vigilant due to the complex geography, which includes numerous islands, cays, reefs, shoals, and submerged rock formations.”

The Chief Marine Accident Investigator noted: “These elements can vary with changes in tides and weather conditions, making attention to detail essential for safe navigation.” 

Serious environmental risks

He also pointed out that groundings pose serious environmental risks, damaging coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine habitats. Even a single incident can lead to years of ecosystem harm and costly restoration efforts; therefore, preventing these incidents must be a shared priority among operators and charter companies.

The MSIRA urges all vessel operators—including charter crews, private owners, commercial operators, and bareboat charters—to reaffirm their commitment to safe navigation. This commitment includes:

- Reviewing the criteria for bareboat charters.

- Providing thorough briefings.

- Reviewing the Cruising Guide of the Virgin Islands and local charts before departure.

- Following designated channels.

- Continuously monitoring water depth.

- Paying attention to navigational buoys.

- Reporting any navigational issues.

All operators, charter companies, and marine industry professionals are also encouraged to report all marine accidents, including groundings, to the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) within 24 hours, as required by the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2020.