Msira Issues Report on Mojaito Collision
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) has released its investigation into the July collision between the recreational powerboat Mojaito and a lateral channel marker south of Brandywine Bay. The report cites overreliance on electronic navigation, reduced nighttime situational awareness, and unsafe speed in a busy channel, and issues recommendations to improve buoy communication and Notices to Mariners.
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) has published its Safety Investigation Report into the collision involving the 31-foot recreational powerboat Mojaito on the night of 26 July 2025 in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, south of Brandywine Bay, Tortola. The vessel, returning from a Xmas in July event at Virgin Gorda and travelling at about 28 knots after dark, struck a green steel lateral channel marker near the Brandywine Bay entrance.
There were no fatalities and all persons on board were safely assisted. MSIRA Chief Marine Accident Investigator Jerome Padmore said the investigation identified several contributory safety factors. "These factors included an overreliance on electronic navigation, a decrease in situational awareness during nighttime navigation, difficulties in maintaining an effective lookout despite having several people on board, challenges in maintaining a safe speed in a buoyed and heavily trafficked area after dark, and the necessity for timely communication regarding navigational changes to ensure safe navigation," he explained.
The report emphasizes that electronic navigation aids are intended to complement — not replace — proper visual observation and an effective lookout. Padmore reminded vessel operators that safe speed is context-dependent: "Operators must navigate at a safe speed that is appropriate for the prevailing conditions, especially at night and in areas with increased activity." He added that safe speed includes reducing speed in channels, mooring fields and other congested or hazard-prone areas, and following the COLREGs and sound seamanship.
MSIRA issued specific safety recommendations to the BVI Ports Authority aimed at strengthening navigational safety across Virgin Islands waters. Key recommendations include improving coordination with the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) so Notices to Mariners are issued promptly after buoy maintenance, relocation or other changes affecting navigation, and enhancing communication protocols about Aids to Navigation to improve mariner awareness.
For BVI residents and local mariners, the Mojaito findings underline familiar risks in the busy Sir Francis Drake Channel, especially during popular events that increase night-time boat traffic. Practical steps include maintaining a proper lookout, corroborating electronic fixes with visual bearings, reducing speed when transiting buoyed channels at night, and checking Notices to Mariners before departure.
The full Safety Investigation Report is available on the Government of the Virgin Islands website at www.gov.vg. For further information or media enquiries, contact the Government's media office as listed on the site.
Primary source: BVI Government