Catamaran 'Borrowed Bounty' Sinks After Breaking Loose
A 48-foot Bali 4.8 catamaran, Borrowed Bounty, broke loose from its mooring late on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, drifted onto rocks at Seal Dog Island and sank; all seven people on board were rescued with no injuries, the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) said. MSIRA has opened a full investigation and reiterated concerns about mooring infrastructure in the Territory, a message also carried in a Guavaberry notice confirming the authority’s public warning and ongoing inquiries.
A 48-foot Bali 4.8 catamaran named Borrowed Bounty broke free from its mooring ball late on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, and drifted onto rocks at Seal Dog Island, the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) reported. The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. in the waters between Long Bay, Virgin Gorda, and Seal Dog Island, according to MSIRA and a Guavaberry advisory.
The vessel’s hull was compromised when it struck rocks, allowing water to enter and causing the catamaran to sink, MSIRA said. There were seven passengers aboard; none were injured. The Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) responded swiftly and recovered the occupants, MSIRA and Guavaberry confirmed.
Chief Marine Safety Investigations Officer Jerome Padmore said the vessel was later salvaged by Husky Salvage & Towing, a detail also reported by VINO in its coverage of the authority’s press release. MSIRA, which operates under the Premier’s Office, has opened a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the loss.
The inquiry will be conducted under the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations, 2020 and the International Maritime Organization’s Casualty Investigation Code, the authority stated. MSIRA emphasised that its investigations are focused on identifying safety issues and producing recommendations to prevent similar events rather than assigning blame or liability.
Padmore reiterated concerns already raised about the condition and use of mooring balls across the Territory. "The use and condition of mooring balls is becoming a significant safety concern in Virgin Islands waters, leading to vessel losses and severe damage," he said in the press release quoted by VINO and carried by Guavaberry.
He urged greater public awareness and action by operators, marina managers and facility owners to ensure mooring hardware is suitable and maintained. MSIRA advised boat owners and facility managers to inspect mooring lines and hardware regularly, ensure proper cleating and chafe protection, and monitor moorings after severe weather or heavy use.
The authority also reminded mariners that reporting marine accidents to MSIRA is required by law and asked anyone with information about Tuesday night’s incident to come forward. The incident highlights ongoing risks in busy local anchorages and transit routes. The channel between Virgin Gorda and nearby cays is heavily used by local boaters and tourists, and a failed mooring can quickly become both a safety and an environmental hazard.
MSIRA and VISAR said they will continue to coordinate as the formal investigation proceeds and promised to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Primary source: BVI Government