Roland Wilson Guilty!

JumbleDuck said:
The fine is for what happened at sea; the costs are for not putting his hand up to it. Three weeks of court time doesn't come cheap.
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The Condor Vitesse skippers pleaded not guilty as well
As did the Pride of Bilbao skippers....after leaving 3 people to die at sea completely pointlessly
As did the Nelloyd Vespucci captain after cutting a boat in half doing 25 knots through fog.

I guess the message is simple - if you're going to f-up just make sure it's big and you at least nearly kill someone. The pattern above seems to suggest it is better if you DO actually kill someone

May not come across here but I'm an open minded, fairly measured guy. I can't be persauded otherwise on this. this is rampant bullying
 
Way said:
Can someone please explain to me....

Condor Vitesse Skippers - wholly inappropriate speed through fog, results in the sinking of a boat and the death of a skipper. PUNISHMENT = c.£15,000 of fines and costs.

Roland Wilson - made a silly error which ultimately resulted in the scratching of paintwork. PUNISHMENT = £103,000 of fines and costs.
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Different jurisdictions.
 
There is also a civil suit due against Condor Ferries in December, where I suspect a much higher amount of compensation will be levied for the deaths.

It is unlikely that Roland Wilson will now face a civil suit from anyone, unless the injured crewmember from his own vessel decided to take that approach.

I find it hard to understand how the Hanne Knutsen can be described as in any way having a lack of care and attention though.
 
l'escargot said:
And on the scale of fines, two are at 10% of the tariff and one at 40% of the tariff which could indicate the judges view of the seriousness of the offences. I don't think he can exercise similar discretion when it comes to costs, unless someone knows otherwise I think he has to award the lot.
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I think the prosecution decides how much (as in what proportion) to ask for and the magistrates or judge decide(s) whether that is reasonable. Both decisions are likely to be influenced by the reading on the awkwardbuggerometer.
 
Condor Vitesse case was a French Skipper in a French court. I suspect in the UK he would have been given a stiffer penalty.
Mr Wilson was only fined £3000, The other £100,000 is repaying the MCA the money they wasted having to go through the trial.
 
Way said:
The Condor Vitesse skippers pleaded not guilty as well
As did the Pride of Bilbao skippers....after leaving 3 people to die at sea completely pointlessly
As did the Nelloyd Vespucci captain after cutting a boat in half doing 25 knots through fog.

I guess the message is simple - if you're going to f-up just make sure it's big and you at least nearly kill someone. The pattern above seems to suggest it is better if you DO actually kill someone

May not come across here but I'm an open minded, fairly measured guy. I can't be persauded otherwise on this. this is rampant bullying
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Let me try:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23388680
 
DJE said:
Careful, he was acquitted.
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I'd be genuinely surprised if the acquited OOW (2nd officer) from the Pride of Bilbao brings a civil action where evidence is considered on the balance of probability. Would make an interesting case.

The skipper, on the other hand, who was (alledgedly) livid about the incident not being immediately reported to him in his cabin, was never prosecuted solely because he was completely innocent.
 
Are we not quick to judge without reading the court proceedings?

There was much more to this case than a yacht failing to evade a turning ship which was faced with many other vessels close by or on its intended track. Perhaps bad luck and poor timing made Rolly the least worst choice for a close pass, for the Tanker Captain.

Racing yachtsmen are pretty good at anticipating situations and obstruction of the course ahead. But none are infallible (unless they are Forumites).

A finding of "guilty" and then a fine of only £3000 is pretty light treatment and no doubt reflects the real situation as seen by the judge. However,it is large enough to be exemplary to Solent Sailors.

Pity about the costs, though.

It is a sad day for Solent sailing and will continue to be much discussed and to be vued on U-tube many times more - well done the cameraman/woman who got it.
 
npf1 said:
Wow. That’s got to be sobering for every boater … the consequences of a dumb/reckless decision or mistake can cost, in addition to a refused insurance claim and injuries/lives, a six figure sum. Bankruptcy is amongst the risks we take every time we go out!

And in this case, it's probably cost him his naval career & a gold plated pension too.
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He's no longer in the Royal Navy, is in the RNR, and won't have a gold plated pension.
 
sailorman said:
He spent his Gratuity on a racing boat :)
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Thanks. I didn't know that.

EDIT: Mine, at the end of my 5 year SCC, would have bought 2 years in the NHS pension scheme. It went, instead, as a deposit on a house...
EDITEDIT: I suspected it might be a joke! Forgot my tongue in cheek smiley. Interestingly, Atalanta of Chester is not listed on the RNSA website. Was she severely damaged in the tanker crunch?
 
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