Reviews of Three Newport-Bermuda Sinkings
Three yachts participating in or returning from the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race incurred severe flooding and were abandoned. All aboard were rescued without death or injury. All three yachts later sank.
US Sailing, the CCA, and the BROC empaneled a team of experienced ocean sailors to review the incidents. Their findings are linked below.
- Alliance Report (1.06 MB)
- Solution Report (884.79 KB)
- Gunga Din Report (9.28 MB)
Two of the boats, Gunga Din and Solution, sank with significant leaks and engines failing due to clogged filters, meaning no battery power or pumps. The third boat, Alliance suffered rudder failure and a major hull breach.
Summarized, the team noted the value of Safety at Sea training and the presence of various required safety gear in assuring the survival of all concerned. Some challenges, with suggestions for meeting them, were provided. Highlights of the reports include:
- Gunga Din, which sank due to inflooding near the mast step, could not hear the responses of their rescuer Desna on VHF. Satellite communications with the race committee and each other bridged the gap, but the rescue was complicated by lack of an agreed plan. Suggestion: periodically check VHF antenna condition, including in-mast cable, for degradation.
- Gunga Din did not have an abandon ship plan and so the effort, though carried out successfully, was challenging and could have been improved by, for example, remembering to bring foul weather gear and the EPIRB along. Suggestion: Include training in Safety at Sea regarding rendering assistance, abandoning, and related topics.
- Clogged fuel filters, a common problem for boats heading into boisterous seas, led to loss of battery power and pump capacity on Gunga Din and on Solution. Suggestion: clean tanks and polish fuel before heading offshore and consider a duplex fuel system.
- The Alliance rescue by Ceilidh appeared to be a textbook case of everything done right, with good planning, crisp communications, attention to detail, and a good outcome under difficult conditions. Suggestion: be like Alliance and Ceilidh. Read the review for full details.
Critical examination of events such as these can inform sailors and event organizers about procedures, training, and equipment that may enhance the safety of a voyage. While sailing, whether locally or offshore, remains a very safe sport, a continued focus on a culture of safety will allow us to pursue our chosen avocation with less risk.
Our thanks to the organizers and to the CCA members who comprised the review committees.
