Catamaran Sinks Near Seal Dog Island
A 48-foot catamaran, Borrowed Bounty, broke free from its mooring and struck rocks off Seal Dog Island late on 21 October 2025, sinking after taking on water. All seven people on board were rescued unharmed; MSIRA has launched a full investigation and warned about the growing safety risks posed by mooring balls in BVI waters.
A privately owned 48-foot Bali 4.8 catamaran, Borrowed Bounty, broke loose from its mooring ball and drifted onto rocks off Seal Dog Island between Long Bay, Virgin Gorda, and Seal Dog Island at about 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. The impact compromised the vessel’s structure, it began taking on water and ultimately sank.
There were seven people aboard the catamaran; Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) responded quickly and recovered all occupants with no reported injuries. The wreck was later salvaged by Husky Salvage & Towing. Chief Marine Safety Investigations Officer Jerome Padmore, of the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) in the Premier’s Office, confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing. "The use and condition of mooring balls is becoming a significant safety concern in Virgin Islands waters, leading to vessel losses and severe damage," Mr.
Padmore said, calling for increased awareness from vessel operators and facility managers. MSIRA — the independent body responsible for investigating marine accidents in the Territory — said it will conduct a full investigation guided by the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations, 2020 and the International Maritime Organisation Casualty Investigation Code.
MSIRA emphasized that its studies focus on identifying safety issues and making recommendations to prevent future accidents, not on assigning blame or liability. For BVI residents, the incident highlights practical risks tied to moorings that many leisure and charter boats rely upon.
Damaged or poorly maintained mooring balls can fail in strong currents or weather, placing vessels and passengers at risk and potentially causing environmental hazards such as fuel or pollutant release when a vessel is breached. MSIRA’s statement serves as a reminder that all marine accidents in the Territory must be reported to the authority as required by law.
The agency has pledged to provide updates as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, boat owners, charter operators, marina managers and harbour maintenance teams are urged to inspect mooring gear regularly, review securing procedures, and increase vigilance during periods of higher swell or gusty conditions.
Anyone with information about the incident or concerns about local moorings is asked to contact the Premier’s Office/MSIRA through official government channels so that safety issues can be addressed promptly.
Primary source: BVI Government