{"id":54470,"date":"2015-02-27T12:15:26","date_gmt":"2015-02-27T12:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=d94da1182695e956d97549357daed64b"},"modified":"2015-02-27T12:15:26","modified_gmt":"2015-02-27T12:15:26","slug":"press-release-tug-boat-owner-jailed-after-crew-man-dies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=54470","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Tug boat owner jailed after crew man dies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A tug boat owner was today was given an 8 month custodial sentence after his crew member died trying to reattach a tow line in a violent storm.<\/p>\n

During today\u2019s hearing at Southampton Crown Court, Martin Richley owner and skipper of 9.5m Medway Tug Boat \u2018Endurance\u2019 pleaded guilty to serious offences under the Merchant Shipping Act.<\/p>\n

The case related to events on 3 and 4 February 2013. On 3 February 2013 the \u2018Endurance began to tow a 60ft motor cruiser \u2018Sirus M\u2019 from the River Medway to Brighton on the south coast of England. On board the \u2018Endurance\u2019 was Mr Richley acting as skipper along with Mr Steven Trice acting as the crew. As the \u2018Endurance\u2019 left the Medway Mr Richley was warned by Medway Vessel Traffic Monitoring Station (VTS) that strong winds up to gale force 8 had been forecast. Despite being given this gale warning Mr Richley decided to continue on his journey to Brighton. Mr Richley was also not qualified to carry out this passage and his tug \u2018Endurance\u2019 was licenced only for use in \u2018favourable\u2019 weather conditions.<\/p>\n

Shortly before midnight on the 4 February 2013, in gale force winds whilst on route to Brighton the tow line between the \u2018Endurance\u2019 and the \u201c\u2019Sirius M\u2019 snapped as they passed Beachy Head and whilst trying to reattach the vessels, Mr Trice fell overboard and was lost. <\/p>\n

Dover and Solent Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres coordinated the search. Newhaven and Eastbourne lifeboats battled high seas and violent storm force winds in their attempt to find and rescue Mr Trice. <\/p>\n

The search continued for several hours, but Mr Trice was not found. His body was recovered several weeks later.<\/p>\n

In passing sentence His Honour Judge Ralls Q.C said<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was a catalogue of disasters, Mr Richly was prepared to take a chance\u2026. it was a disaster waiting to happen after a series of bad decisions.\u201d <\/p>\n

Captain Andrew Rudge, MCA<\/abbr> Area Operations Manager said;<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was a tragic incident that should not have happened. Mr Richley should not have accepted to take on the tow as he was ill equipped, unqualified and his vessel was not suitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Note to Editors<\/p>\n