Probe into Fleetwood boating tragedy to help learn lessons

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is investigating the sinking of the leisure fishing vessel Marcie Jane , which began rapidly shipping water off Rossall Point during an angling trip on May 31.

Although two men were rescued by the crew of the catamaran Pisces which was in the vicinity at the time, a third man, 40 year old Keith Chew Junior of Accrington, went down with the vessel.

Fleetwood's RNLI was quickly on the scene with two of its vessels and transferred the two survivors, who were suffering from mild hypothermia and shock, back to Fleetwood, while a search was mounted for the third man.

Sadly, he did not survive.

The MAIB says of its work: "The MAIB investigates marine accidents involving UK vessels worldwide and all vessels in UK territorial waters.

"Our job is to help prevent further avoidable accidents from occurring, not to establish blame or liability."

The MAIB receives between 1,500 and 1,800 reports of accidents of all types and severity each year.

On average this leads to 30 separate investigations being launched.

After the tragedy, tributes were paid to Keith Chew Jr, who had been out in the boat with his father and another man.

He was described as a keen Accrington Stanley fan who was a gentle giant.

His death was has been referred to the coroner’s office.