Former Sowester Simpson-Lawerence dealer Andy Bowden attended Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday, 22 January to face charges of unsafe conduct resulting in the death of Tristan Douglas-Johnson in an accident involving a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) at the 2000 Southampton Boat Show.

Twenty-year-old Douglas-Johnson died from injuries sustained after he and two companions fell out of the RIB which then struck him. The boat’s driver at the time, Kelly Stone, had not been attached to the engine’s safety lanyard which automatically cuts the engine as soon as the driver moves out of position.

MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) investigated the case after allegations that the excursion in Southampton Water was conducted in an unsafe manner.

Bowden is charged with improper conduct as master of a boat under Section 584 of the UK’s 1995 Merchant Shipping Act. He is accused of failing to discharge his duties to the safe operation of the vessel to the extent that death or serious injury was likely. Bowden, a partner in Devon, UK-based Exe Leisure, denies the charge.

Paul Streeter, managing director of National Boat Shows, told IBI that the accident prompted an addition to safety precautions at the Southampton Boat Show. He added: “National Boats Shows extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Tristan Douglas-Johnson.”

He said that the official report following the MAIB investigation into the accident had recommended that future boat show preparations should ensure that an emergency berth be available and highly visible, for use when anyone requiring medical assistance is taken ashore. “Visitor and exhibitor safety is always of paramount concern at National Boat Shows and that measure was in place at last year’s show and will be in place this year,” he said.