The 31-foot Stamas 310 Tarpon, named MV Mojaito, struck a green steel lateral buoy located approximately 0.4 nautical miles south of the Brandywine Bay entrance, suffering structural damage which caused it to partially sink. Photo: GIS

The MV Mojaito, was returning to Village Cay, Tortola, after participating in the "Xmas in July" event on Virgin Gorda on July 26, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Chief Marine Safety Accident Investigator Mr Jerome Padmore said safety accident investigations typically involve in-depth examinations of systems, procedures, and human factors. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority is making significant progress into the July 26, 2025, boating accident involving a 31-foot Stamas 310 Tarpon. Photo: Facebook/MSIRA

The vessel, MV Mojaito, was returning to Village Cay, Tortola, after participating in the "Xmas in July" event on Virgin Gorda.

Chief Marine Safety Accident Investigator Mr Jerome Padmore, in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on August 28, 2025, said the vessel struck a green steel lateral buoy located approximately 0.4 nautical miles south of the Brandywine Bay entrance, suffering structural damage which caused it to partially sink.

Nearby boaters on private vessels were able to safely rescue all ten persons on board, and no one sustained injuries.

Comprehensive investigation being conducted

Mr Padmore explained that safety accident investigations typically involve in-depth examinations of systems, procedures, and human factors.

“I want to assure you that a comprehensive investigation is underway, and a detailed report will be made available to the public once the investigation into the accident is complete."

He added that the MSIRA emphasises that the primary goal of this investigation is to improve maritime safety and prevent future incidents, while the aim is also to continue efforts and provide updates as needed.

Report all marine accidents

Mr Padmore advised members of the public to report all marine accidents to the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority, as required by law.

The MSIRA is the official body responsible for the independent investigation of marine accidents and incidents within the waters of the Virgin Islands (VI).

Operating under the Office of the Premier and guided by the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations, 2020 and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code.

The primary objective of the MSIRA is to enhance maritime safety through fact-based investigations, identifying safety issues, and issuing recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences. Investigations of the MSIRA do not seek to apportion blame or establish liability.

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