The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) said in its inaugural report that when the 39-foot MV Andato, a Deep Impact 399 center-console, capsized at high speed in Leverick Bay just before the May 25, Leverick Bay Poker Run, no one was wearing a life jacket and the engine kill cord was not engaged.
The report issued by Chief Marine Safety Accident Investigator Jerome Padmore confirmed that six people were aboard: four were ejected and two were trapped beneath the hull, with all six injured. Investigators estimated the vessel executed a sudden port-side turn at 40–50 knots at about 10:57 a.m. before rolling over.
MSIRA concluded the rollover resulted from a high-speed maneuver and the dynamic characteristics of the stepped hull at speed; no mechanical or structural failures were identified.
The report recommends the BVI Ports Authority assess and implement enforceable speed limits, navigation safety signage, and operator information for North Sound and similar high-traffic marinas. It further urges the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) to require life-jacket wear for small planing craft operating at speed and to introduce operator-competency requirements covering high-speed maneuvering, kill-cord discipline, and passenger management.
“This report is not about blame, but about learning and improving. By understanding what went wrong, we can take steps to prevent similar accidents and strengthen maritime safety across the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Padmore said.
MSIRA noted its safety investigations aim to prevent future accidents and are not intended to assign liability, consistent with BVI law. The report also highlights existing obligations under the COLREGs ‘safe speed’ rule and gaps in locally enforceable speed limits in North Sound marinas. MSIRA said it will continue publishing reports to promote transparency and higher safety standards across the territory.
