A boat helmsman has been convicted of gross negligence manslaughter for causing a fatal collision in Poole Harbour due to high-speed operation.
Morgan George Smith, a 21-year-old from Northampton, admitted to the charge at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, 20 July 2023. He received a three-year prison sentence at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.
The incident took place on the night of Sunday, 1 May 2022. Smith, attending a regatta prize-giving event at Poole Yacht Club, was observed consuming several alcoholic beverages. Later, he agreed to transport David Haw, 24 from Sussex, and others to Sandbanks in a RIB, after first stopping at Poole Quay.
In the early hours of Monday, 2 May 2022, the RIB struck a large, illuminated metal buoy known as Diver Buoy. The collision ejected Mr. Haw and another passenger into the water. While the other passenger returned to the boat, Mr. Haw tragically remained missing.
Dorset Police were alerted at 1.59am after Smith and the other passenger reached shore and sought help. Extensive searches in Poole Harbour, involving specialist police dive teams, the Coastguard, RNLI, and volunteers, eventually led to the discovery of David Haw’s body on 14 May 2022.
The Dorset Police Major Crime Investigation Team, alongside the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and other units, conducted an extensive investigation. Analysis revealed that Smith was traveling nearly three times the speed limit at close to 30 knots and was using a mobile phone for navigation in the dark, impairing his night vision. It was also found that while life jackets were available on board, they were not worn, and Smith lacked the qualifications for night-time operation of the RIB.
Smith was arrested on the evening of 2 May 2022, and after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, was charged.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of the MCIT, said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of the investigation team remain with the family and friends of David Haw through this extremely difficult time.
“We have been absolutely committed to establishing what happened and carried out a detailed investigation working closely with partner agencies and marine specialists both within Dorset Police and externally.
“Smith showed no regard for the safety of his passengers on the RIB by embarking on a journey at high speed, across an unfamiliar and congested harbour at night whilst under the influence of alcohol. He was not qualified or trained to operate the RIB at night.
“Further to this, Smith did not wear a life jacket, and did not encourage his passengers to do so either. He allowed Mr Haw to sit in the bow of the vessel, putting him at the most risk of being ejected from the RIB in the event of a collision.
“This case is a very sad reminder of the need for boat operators to prioritise the safety of their passengers and others while on the water and the possible tragic consequences if safety procedures are not adhered to.”
Mark Cam, Lead Investigator at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “Not only had the defendant been drinking when the crash happened but he had also failed to gain sufficient training to operate a powerboat at night without posing a deadly risk to others.
“This case has tragically demonstrated how alcohol and vessels do not mix, and the importance of getting the right qualifications to stay safe on the water.
“We worked hard to give strong support to Dorset Police’s investigation, and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of David Haw.”
