The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) has confirmed that a sailing school charter vessel struck a reef and partially sank off the coast of Anegada on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
The incident involved the MV Nohea Holokai, a Lagoon 46 sailing catamaran, which reportedly made contact with a reef shortly after exiting the Anegada Channel. Structural damage caused the vessel to partially submerge. All 14 persons on board were safely removed from the vessel and no injuries were reported.
“A comprehensive safety investigation began on the same day of the incident,” said Jerome Padmore, Chief Marine Safety Accident Investigator at MSIRA. “We are following established investigative protocols to collect and analyze all relevant data to determine the circumstances surrounding this occurrence.”
The MSIRA stated that its investigations are conducted with the sole aim of improving maritime safety and are not intended to assign blame or determine liability.
“The findings of this investigation will be shared publicly at an appropriate time upon its conclusion,” Padmore said.
In a statement issued by the Premier’s Office, the Authority reminded the public that the reporting of marine accidents is a legal requirement under Section 7 of the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations, 2020.
The MV Nohea Holokai was part of a sailing school charter, though the name of the company operating the charter has not been disclosed.
The MSIRA operates under the Premier’s Office and is tasked with conducting independent investigations into marine accidents and incidents within the territorial waters of the Virgin Islands. The Authority’s mandate is guided by both local legislation and international standards, including the International Maritime Organization’s Casualty Investigation Code.