CPS authorises charges
F ollowing an extensive Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) investigation into the circumstances surrounding the loss of the yacht, a decision has been made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to bring charges against Douglas Innes and Stormforce Coaching Limited.
The loss of Cheeki Rafiki and its four crew in the Atlantic Ocean, occurred approximately 720 miles east-south-east of Nova Scotia, Canada in May 2014. Following the extensive MCA investigation, lasting more than two years into the circumstances surrounding the loss, a decision has been made by the CPS to bring charges against Douglas Innes and Stormforce Coaching Limited.
Ian Harris, from CPS Wessex, said: ‘We have authorised the charging of Douglas Innes with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and Douglas Innes and Stormforce Coaching Limited with one charge contrary to section 100, Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
‘These charges relate to the deaths of Andrew Bridge, James Male, Stephen Warren and Paul Goslin in the North Atlantic in May 2014, following the loss of the keel on their yacht, the Cheeki Rafiki.
‘The decision to charge was taken in accordance with the Code of Crown Prosecutors.’
At the time of going to press, Douglas Innes and a Stormforce Coaching Limited representative were scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court on 3 November 2016.
Read the official report into the tragedy at http://po.st/CheekiRafiki. T housands of visitors flocked to Scotland’s Boat Show and more than 400 braved the rain to get out on the water.
The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 30th anniversary event at Kip Marina, Inverkip, on 14 October.
Princess Anne praised the show’s organisers, saying: ‘Thank you for the work you’ve done in attracting more and more people to understanding the pleasure of sailing in Scotland.’
Highlights of the free-entry, three-day event included an initiative by RYA Scotland, SportScotland National Centre Cumbrae, Clyde Muirshiel Country Park and You and Sea Training to enable up to 650 people to get out on the water for free in an 11.6m (38ft) yacht, rigid inflatable boats, accessible sailing dinghies and wheelchair-friendly Wheelyboat.
RYA Scotland CEO James Allan said: ‘For us, it was the success of the show. To have the response we’ve had, despite the weather, we’re absolutely delighted.’ Show visitor Jeannette McInally sailed a Salona yacht for the first time and said: ‘I’ve loved every minute of it.’
For a second year, PBO brought free, practical talks to RYA Scotland’s stage: Sika’s Gareth Ross gave advice on using sealants; World Cruising Club’s Jeremy Wyatt and Clare Pengelly provided insight into long-distance cruising; Met Office weather forecaster Penny Tranter shared her expertise; Sarah Brown of C2W Consulting and Clyde Marine Planning Partnership revealed the battle to keep waters free from invasive species; PBO contributor Colin Brown, of CB Marine Services, held a talk on ‘what’s causing corrosion’; while Dylan Winter, from the Keep Turning Left blog fame, gave amusing talks about boating on a budget.
Dylan said: ‘It’s such a great boat show because there are boats here that I could afford. There’s a great spirit about the place. Any event with bagpipes, it just stirs you up a bit. And to see Princess Anne was a marvellous thing.’
A spectacular flyboarding display ended abruptly on day two when European champion Sonnie Bean suffered severe concussion and had to be treated in hospital. Show spokesman Kevin Blamire said: ‘The positives are that Sonnie’s better and the event safety plan works.’
Kevin praised everyone involved for making the 30th anniversary show ‘the biggest and the best show we’ve had.’
PBO editor David Pugh said: ‘There’s a great vibe about the show, with a mix of new and second-hand boats, which is right on PBO’s market. We’ve met a lot of readers with great ideas here.
‘It’s a growing show and we’re happy to support it. Thanks to our experts for giving the talks: the public have clearly appreciated the wide range of expertise. Thanks also to RYA Scotland for supporting PBO Ask the Experts Live.’