The Government of the Virgin Islands is calling on marine operators and charter companies to tighten their safety practices after 20 accidents, including collisions, groundings and fires, were recorded in the Territory so far this year. Photo: VINO/File

Chief Marine Accident Investigator Mr Jerome Padmore said the figures reinforce the importance of competent operators, compliant vessels and the timely reporting of accidents and incidents, warning that the data underscores an urgent need for better reporting, sharper situational awareness and stronger operator competence. Photo: Facebook

A 48-foot Bali 4.8 catamaran named Borrowed Bounty reportedly broke loose from its mooring ball, drifted, and collided with rocks at Seal Dog Island on October 21, 2025. Photo: Provided

Chief Marine Accident Investigator Mr Jerome Padmore said the figures reinforce the importance of competent operators, compliant vessels and the timely reporting of accidents and incidents, warning that the data underscores an urgent need for better reporting, sharper situational awareness and stronger operator competence.

Of the 20 accidents recorded, nine were collisions, and nine were groundings, each accounting for 45 per cent of the total, while two were fires, representing 10 per cent. Combined, collisions and groundings accounted for 90 per cent of all recorded occurrences.

"Statistics do not establish the cause of an individual accident, but they help identify where exposure is occurring and where attention may be needed," Mr Padmore said. "These figures highlight the importance of navigational preparation, situational awareness, operator competence, effective lookout, and sound decision-making." 

He made the remarks during the Marine Tourism Forum held on Wednesday, August 18, 2026, at The Moorings. The forum was organised by the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, and hosted by the Junior Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE.

Legal responsibility for operators & charter companies to report incidents  

The Chief Marine Accident Investigator outlined four interconnected pillars of marine safety: competent operators, code-compliant vessels, effective accident reporting and a strong safety culture, adding that no pillar can operate effectively on its own.

He reminded operators and charter companies that they have a legal responsibility to report marine accidents and incidents and to cooperate with safety investigations. 

The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) conducts impartial, independent investigations to determine what happened, why it happened and how recurrence can be prevented, in support of the Territory's obligations under the relevant International Maritime Organisation (IMO) framework.

Mr Padmore reminded marine industry stakeholders that "safety is a shared responsibility; no one individual or organisation can make the change we need; it needs to be a collective effort. By raising standards together, we protect customers, businesses, the marine environment, and the reputation of The Virgin Islands as a leading marine tourism destination." 

He reiterated that a strong safety culture must be reflected in daily operations, including promptly addressing vessel defects, maintaining safety-critical equipment, conducting emergency drills, and ensuring that proper personal protective and life-saving equipment is always used.