Coroner raises alcohol concerns over harbour death

A coroner has raised concerns over the death of a sailor who was riding in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) which crashed into a navigation buoy.

David Haw, 24, from Newick, East Sussex, fell into Poole Harbour, Dorset, in May 2022 and was found dead 12 days later.

The RIB's helmsman, Morgan Smith, from Northampton, was later jailed for three years for gross negligence manslaughter.

However, Dorset senior coroner Rachael Griffin said she was concerned that it was "not illegal to helm a pleasure vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs".

Smith, who was 19 at the time, drank for several hours at social events at the end of Poole Regatta on Sunday 1 May, a court previously heard.

Shortly after midnight, he offered lifts in the RIB to take five people home.

Mr Haw and another passenger were catapulted into the water when Smith hit the metal buoy at more than 30 knots (35mph) - three times the harbour speed limit - the court was told.

The second man swam back to the boat but Mr Haw could not be found.

Sentencing Smith in November 2023, Mrs Justice Cockerill said the defendant had admitted that RIB trips of that sort happened regularly.

Writing a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, the coroner said: "I have concerns that there is a culture of using such support boats as a form of taxi particularly at the social events... Those helming these vessels may be in drink."

She said RIBs that were defined as pleasure vessels might not be governed by drinking rules for commercial vessels.

Ms Griffin added that she had other concerns over a lack of safety briefings, lifejackets and guidance from regattas on RIB use.

Her report gives the Department for Transport and the Royal Yachting Association until 14 February to respond.

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