SAFETY ALERT: A SAILBOAT HITS A REEF IN FIJI

*LESSONS LEARNED*

Some people say that sailing in Fiji is so difficult that the longer one sails there hitting a reef at some point is unavoidable.  And then, some people say that with careful planning, constant vigilance, sticking to vetted tracks on Open CPN, and a conservative eye on the weather, one can safely navigate in Fiji.  AND, Anywhere on this continuum accidents can and do happen.

Last week a singlehanded sailor hit a reef in Fiji.  Below we will be careful to only look at the facts for lessons to be learned and avoid armchair judgements.  As mariners we want to know what went wrong and what lessons can be learned so that we can all be safer in the future.

Here is what we know happened:

• A single-handed sailor planned to sail from a marina in Fiji to an atoll. This requires entering the atoll through a clear passage in the reef.  There is current to contend with and timing through the pass is very important.
• The route was pre-planned, and the timing was taken into consideration.
• Open CPN was up to date with a vetted track loaded to follow.
• A GPS dongle is used as a locating device for Open CPN on the computer.
• Navionics onboard as well.
• The morning of departure was cloudy and rainy so the computer with Open CPN had to be kept down below.
• A few miles out of the marina, the GPS was not tracking & Open CPN showed the boat still in the slip in the marina
• Sailor decides to use and follow waypoints on Navionics and continue as planned.

(NOTE: the waypoints used are unknown)

• When the sailor approached the reef, the weather was bad and there were whitecaps everywhere.
• The sailor could not see the reef in the whitecaps under the cloudy sky.
• The boat hit the reef outside entrance channel and off planned course to entrance.

Tracks showing routes entering pass and boat (red) off course pinned on a reef

Thankfully, with local help, the boat was freed of the reef, the boat is still afloat, and the captain is safe.

Take Aways from SV MONSOON:

• The boat is an old, stout, and thick fiberglass vessel: The Thickness of the hull was probably a saving grace.
• If the day dawns cloudy or stormy, consider waiting for better weather.
• Travelling through passages in reefs are best done under clear sunny skies mid-day for best visibility.
• Open CPN with up to date satellite charts and previously use tracks by similar boats are the best navigational aides in FIJI.
• If the GPS is not tracking, trouble shoot before continuing.
• No matter how many miles one has sailed, there is no room for complacency in Fiji.

Additional take away from SV AVANT

• Patience is often a mariners second best friend (with luck always being the first and best).