Window storm covers could have prevented fatal yacht sinking off New Zealand coast
New regulations on storm coverings for yacht windows have been introduced following the fatal sinking of the Bavaria 47 Ocean, Essence, off the coast of New Zealand.
Maritime New Zealand now requires all boats undertaking international voyages to fit storm coverings on windows of more than 1,853cm², and have updated its Regulations as well as its Yacht Inspectors’ Manual.
The story of the sinking of Essence, with the loss of the skipper, Stuart Pedersen, featured in YM’S Learning Curve in our August 2021 issue. The boat was on passage from Fiji to Tauranga, New Zealand, when heavy weather forced the crew to change course towards Opua in the Bay of Islands, a lee shore. Although the four-strong crew prepared for the storm, storm coverings were not fitted to windows, despite being onboard. Essence suffered multiple knockdowns in heavy seas before foundering in 60-knot winds off the east coast of Northland, North Island on 14 October 2019; the final knockdown resulted in the starboard windows breaking, and water flooding the saloon. The liferaft was washed off the aft deck and the crew had to abandon ship into the sea before being rescued by helicopter; skipper Stuart Pedersen died.
The Maritime NZ report into the sinking concludes that whilst there were a number of issues in relation to the sinking, ‘the key finding for the loss of Essence was the failure to have storm coverings secured in heavy seas.’
It also highlights the high standard of the boat and equipment and that Pedersen ‘was a highly experienced blue water yachtsman who, in the face of testing conditions, adopted a commonly-used strategy of running before heavy seas. It is clear from the evidence of the survivors that he was instrumental in contributing to the survival of his crew throughout the ordeal.’
Essence sank in the south-east quadrant of the low pressure system. ‘In the southern hemisphere, mariners should avoid the south-east quadrant of intense low pressure systems as more severe conditions are usually generated in this sector,’ noted Maritime NZ. ‘If there is a possibility of encountering dangerous seas whilst closing on a lee shore, consideration should always be given to standing out to sea and heaving-to with adequate sea room to allow a low-pressure system to pass before heading towards a shore.’
It also stated that liferafts should be securely fastened on deck or in the cockpit with ‘substantial throughbolted fittings’.
Skippers are also now required to practice and demonstrate knowledge of how their boat performs with a drogue. Read the full report at: www. yachtingmonthly.com/essence