I came across a devastating news story this morning about a boating accident near Saba Rock that took place on Friday evening, November 22nd around 7 p.m. A group of six passengers were on their way to dinner at Bitter End Yacht Club in an 11-foot dinghy when they were struck by a 20-foot tender off of a mega yacht. The 11-foot dinghy had the proper lighting, and the mega yacht tender was speeding through a no wake zone/mooring field.
Two people were transported to a clinic in Spanish Town following this tragic incident, and the captain of the 11-foot dinghy sadly lost their life. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved. Update: it is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of beloved boat captain, Stephen Cross
At News of St. John, we don’t often cover stories like this, but this heartbreaking accident serves as an important reminder about the need for boating safety. The accident occurred in a no-wake zone within a mooring field. The tender from the yacht should not have been speeding through this restricted zone, making this tragedy entirely preventable.
As the holiday season brings increased activity on the water, we encourage everyone to stay vigilant and prioritize safety. Simple precautions can save lives and prevent devastating accidents like this one.
Our hearts go out to the six passengers affected by this collision, as well as their friends and family. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time.
8 people in an 11ft dingy is dumb and the Captains fault and responsibility! Very careless on everyones part
They were taking a very short trip from dinner to their mooring and that has nothing to do with the fact that they were run over by another boat.
For some reason, you woke up today and decided to write an incredibly insensitive comment on our page. Lots of hearts are broken and your criticism has no place here
Agreed. Peter’s comment was insensitive and ignorant. Most charter boats in the BVI come with an 11′ dinghy which can easily accommodate 8 passengers. The charter boats also come with flashlights which can be used on the dinghy at night to improve visibility. We were at Saba for dinner on Tuesday, moored at Boaty Ball #3 (right in front of the resort) so I am very familiar with this mooring field. Admittedly, I forgot our flashlight so on our way back to the boat, I asked my passengers to turn on their phone flashlights to make us visible to other dinghy’s and boats. I see dinghy’s flying around the mooring field at night with no lights and am surprised there aren’t more accidents. The operator of the tender is clearly at fault but that probably isn’t consolation for the family of the victim. I will use this as a learning experience and ensure that our dinghy has a flashlight (or two) stowed in the anchor locker as soon as we get onboard. Godspeed to the captain and condolences to his family.
Not only did the captain 100% have lights on, he also only had 6 guests on board. Lots of misinformation here, it should really be taken down and details verified first.
Morning, I’ve edited it
However I did provide my source and did my best to find the correct information.
Sorry to hear this sad news.
Peter – With all due respect to your comment… maybe the Captain added a few more passengers due to a situation unbeknownst to us and with his kind heart allowed the extra passengers.
I wasn’t there, you weren’t there…
Prayers and love to those who’ve been hurt in this incident
the exact same thing would/could have happened regardless of capacity in the dinghy… pretty insensitive and clueless comment there peter
You are just driving to your boat -which is a very short distance! THIS is done all the time and is a very regular practice .
How heartless.
Victim blaming is always the best way to go.
I hate to read this. So tragic and avoidable.
Totally agree with Michelle. Whether there was one person or twenty people in the dingy, it had nothing to do with getting run over by a boat speeding through a no wake zone. Massive law suits to follow… rightfully so.
Peter may prove to be right about overloading 11 ft Zodiak but a lil early for pronouncements like that..
Thoughts and prayers to all involved
So sorry to hear of this tragedy, such a beautiful place for such an incident.
Correction. There were only seven ppl that included the captain.
They were headed to dinner not leaving dinner.
Dinghy was nearly out of channel with proper lighting.
Tender from mega yacht driving at an excessive speed- dinghy was nearly at idle approaching dock of Saba
Would the Coast Guard be conducting an inquiry? Is it their jurisdictional responsibility? My condolences on the loss of your dear friend.
The 7 passengers and tender driver were on the mega yacht tender I believe. Not sure but the tender was the one taking guest to dinner and going too fast. Not clear if there were others on the digy or not.
PLEASE use your BRAINS and your HEARTS and refrain from commenting horrible and nasty things here.
Doesn’t matter the number of people in the dinghy, the point is they were STRUCK and KILLED by an ILLEGALLY SPEEDING VESSEL IN A NO WAKE ZONE. The person operating that vessel is ENTIRELY IN THE WRONG.
The victim’s fiance friends and family can see all of these and they are GRIEVING. So please think before you comment!!!
So sorry to hear about this tragic accident. Prayers for the Captain’s family.
Monday morning quarterbacks.
Allow the investigation to take place.
If you weren’t a witness to the incident all you have is an opinion.
This publication should not post its opinion on such a grave matter.
A gofundme has been organized to help his family during this situation.
https://gofund.me/f79016b6
The last comment is the correct one !! Thank you Denny.
Prayers for all involved.
unsubscribing now, comments by Peter, and equally ignorant responses to Peter from Paul and Pat are the impetus for this.
Spread of mis-information is gossip gentlemen, keep that in mind.
Hanna, you are correct.