Coroner Recommends Regulatory Changes Following Deadly Speedboat Incident

A coroner has advocated for modifications to the regulations governing aquatic thrill rides, prompted by a speedboat collision that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl. Emily Lewis sustained fatal injuries when the rigid inflatable boat (Rib) she was aboard collided with a navigation buoy in Southampton Water in August 2020. During the inquest held in Winchester, assistant coroner Henry Charles delivered a narrative conclusion. He expressed concerns regarding the skipper’s restricted visibility from the helm, located at the craft’s stern, and the absence of an additional crew member to maintain a lookout. The teenager, a resident of Park Gate, Hampshire, was participating in a “high thrills” excursion with her parents and sister on August 22, 2020, aboard the Rib Seadogz. Investigators determined that the Rib, carrying a total of 12 individuals, struck the 4.5m-high channel marker at a speed of nearly 37 knots (43mph). Emily Lewis was propelled forward from a bench seat and succumbed to upper abdominal injuries, as disclosed at the hearing. The coroner stated: “The skipper lost positional awareness in the moments before the accident.” He added, “This was most likely due to a combination of being desensitised to the risks of the high-speed Rib operations and high mental workload of operating Seadogz alone.” Mr. Charles additionally highlighted issues concerning seating, handholds, and the company’s risk assessment, which he characterized as “cursory and generic.” The inquest revealed that Seadogz had been involved in three prior similar accidents. The coroner announced his intention to submit a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Secretary of State for Transport, and other relevant bodies. He remarked that the existing regulations for the maritime industry were “complex and subject to interpretation.” Michael Lawrence, 55, who was operating the boat, had previously been acquitted of manslaughter by gross negligence. However, he was found guilty of failing to maintain a proper lookout and failing to proceed at a safe speed. Michael Howley, 52, the proprietor of the now-defunct Seadogz, which operated the boat trips, was convicted of not operating the boat safely. Both individuals received sentences at Winchester Crown Court in March 2023, consisting of 18 weeks in custody, suspended for two years, and were mandated to perform community service. Following the inquest, Emily’s parents, Simon and Nikki, along with her sister Amy, issued a statement: “We are disappointed that the coroner did not come to a conclusion of unlawful killing but we appreciate his narrative describes the appalling events of August 22 2020 in great detail.” They continued, “Mr Lawrence has never truly faced justice for his actions and once again he has failed to properly accept and acknowledge his role in the death of our beloved daughter, Emily.” The family concluded, “We are, however, encouraged that the coroner has identified lessons to be learned to prevent something like this happening again.” A spokesperson for the Department for Transport commented: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with Emily’s loved ones.” The spokesperson added, “The Transport Secretary will await the coroner’s letter and respond in the appropriate manner in due course.”