Msira Urges Vigilance in North Sound
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority is urging mariners to prioritise safety as marine traffic surges across popular Virgin Islands anchorages. Officials have raised concerns over excessive speeding, improper anchoring, and reduced visibility hazards in shared waterways.
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA), operating under the Premier’s Office, is calling on all mariners navigating Virgin Islands waters to exercise heightened caution and adhere strictly to maritime safety protocols as boat traffic rises throughout the Territory.
Popular anchorages and mooring fields—including North and South Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, Cooper Island, and Jost Van Dyke—are experiencing heavy seasonal congestion. Commercial charter vessels, private yachts, tenders, dinghies, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts are frequently operating in the same confined spaces, increasing the risk of maritime accidents.
Chief Marine Accident Investigator Jerome Padmore emphasized that fundamental safety practices can mean the difference between a safe voyage and a tragedy. He pointed to a fatal 2024 collision in the North Sound involving a dinghy and a yacht tender as a sobering reminder of the hazards present in congested waters, regardless of how familiar or brief a trip may be.
Recent reports have highlighted persistent safety concerns, particularly in the North Sound area. Authorities note that vessels are frequently transiting mooring fields at unsafe speeds, operating carelessly in narrow channels, and anchoring in locations that obstruct safe passage.
These practices create severe hazards for low-profile craft, resort tenders, and swimmers, particularly at night when visibility is compromised. MSIRA reminded captains, operators, and charter companies that compliance with the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping Act 2001 and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) is mandatory.
Mariners must observe the 5-knot speed limit in channels and mooring fields, maintain a proper lookout at all times, display required navigational lights after dark, and ensure vessel operators remain sober. Under the Merchant Shipping Act of 2001, mariners are also legally obligated to report all marine accidents and incidents to the MSIRA.
The Authority operates as an independent investigative body tasked with identifying safety issues and issuing preventative recommendations to safeguard life at sea.
Primary source: BVI Government