@ - Bernard Defortescu

Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

Press Notices

Press Notice 246: MAIB Samphire of Wells report published - 29 March 2000

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has today published its report on the foundering of the 4.26m (14ft) dinghy Samphire of Wells on the North Norfolk Coast with the loss of two lives on16 December 1999.
Synopsis
Shortly after 1730 on 16 December 1999 the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Yarmouth informed the MAIB that a dinghy with two people on board was overdue on a passage from Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells-next-the-Sea. Later that evening the MAIB was informed that one body had been located. An investigation was initiated the next day and was conducted by the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Rear Admiral John Lang.
At approximately 1130 on 16 December 1999, two men manning an open 4.26m (14ft) dinghy, Samphire of Wells, left Burnham Overy Staithe on the north Norfolk coast for the six and a half mile passage to Wells harbour. The weather was fine, sunny, with a light to moderate westerly breeze and high water neaps were predicted shortly before noon. The object of the passage was to take the dinghy to Wells to do some work on it and lay it up for the winter. It had spent the previous few weeks in Burnham Overy harbour.
The dinghy never arrived at Wells. During the early afternoon the partner of one of the occupants became concerned when it didn't appear, and raised the alarm. A search and rescue operation was initiated and at 1850 the Wells RNLI all-weather lifeboat (ALB) found the body of one of the two men floating upright in a pool among shoal water to the west of the Wells harbour channel. He was wearing a fully inflated lifejacket. When eventually landed, he was seen by a doctor and declared dead on arrival.
The second man was found dead six days later in the sea some seven miles to the north of Cromer. He too was wearing a fully inflated lifejacket.
There were no witnesses to the accident. Although one or two pieces of wreckage were found and were thought to have come from the missing dinghy, this could not be proved beyond doubt. Neither the dinghy, nor its remains, have ever been found.
The precise cause of the loss cannot be determined with accuracy. The investigation concludes that the dinghy most probably foundered while making the short open sea passage between Burnham Overy harbour and the entrance to Wells harbour.
The report makes recommendations to improve the chances of survival for occupants of small boats who find themselves thrown into the water.
Conclusions
Findings
(i) There was no overwhelming reason why it was necessary to transport Samphire of Wells by sea. Road transport was available and practical.
(ii) Samphire of Wells was suitable for use in sheltered waters but was vulnerable to being swamped in rough conditions such as might be experienced when crossing a bar or coasting after bad weather.
(iii) The weather on the day of the accident was good with a westerly force 2-3 blowing. On the preceding day a strong breeze to gale force northerly, and therefore onshore, wind had been blowing.
(iv) Both the occupants had sufficient knowledge to handle small craft competently but it is thought that specific knowledge of handling an open dinghy at sea with an inboard engine was less well established.
(v) The dinghy was believed to have been equipped with oars and an anchor but there is no evidence to indicate that flares or any form of radio were carried on the 16 December. It is probable a bailer was onboard and it is thought the electric bilge pump would have functioned.
(vi) The wreck, or hull, of the dinghy has never been found and has not, therefore, been examined, but it is probable that it shipped water before capsizing.
(vii) Both men were regarded as being careful and conscientious. Mr Cracknell had a reputation for being someone who did not take unnecessary risks.
(viii) Samphire of Wells sailed from Burnham Overy Staithe at about 1130 on 16 December and was, quite possibly, last seen to the east of the harbour entrance and heading eastwards.
(ix) A bar lies across the entrance channel to Burnham Overy harbour. Sailing directions, and those familiar with the harbour, advise against crossing the bar if there is any northing in the wind.
(x) There was breaking water at the Burnham Overy Harbour bar when Samphire of Wells crossed it.
(xi) 'White water' was observed along the shoreline at about 1150 on 16 December.
(xii) Both men were able to inflate their lifejackets either before, or very shortly after, being immersed in the sea. They would have found swimming very difficult with the clothing and footwear being worn.
(xiii) Neither man had any suitable means to attract attention to their predicament once they were in the water.
(xiv) Both men would have been subjected to the effects of cold water and would have found it difficult not to swallow seawater.
(xv) There was nothing on either of the two lifejackets to prevent them riding up over the heads of the victims or to prevent water splashing over their faces.
(xvi) Both men died from drowning.
(xvii) The alarm was raised once it was realised the dinghy was overdue and that initial inquiries had failed to identify her whereabouts.
(xviii) Once the alarm had been raised there was no delay in mounting a search and rescue operation.
(xix) The body of Mr Cracknell was located afloat among shoal water to the west of the Wells harbour channel about seven hours after the dinghy sailed. Mr Fortescue's body was discovered six days later floating in the open sea, north of Cromer.
(xx) Both bodies were being kept afloat by fully inflated lifejackets. Had the lifejackets not been worn, there must be doubt about whether they would have been found so easily. The reflective tape on Mr Cracknell's lifejacket greatly assisted the Wells RNLI all weather lifeboat's ability to find it at night.
Causes
Primary cause
Because there were no survivors, physical evidence, or witnesses to this tragic accident, it is not possible to state with certainty what caused it. The investigation concludes, however, that the most likely cause was that she foundered in breaking waves at some stage while on passage between Burnham Overy and Wells-next-the-Sea harbours.
Underlying causes of the accident
(i) The decision to take Samphire of Wells around to Wells harbour by sea and not by road.
(ii) The unsuitability of Samphire of Wells to weather broken water in the open sea. Even if partially swamped she would have been vulnerable to capsize.
(iii) The dinghy occupants' lack of awareness of the sea state likely to be encountered during the passage.
(iv) The possibility that the engine failed while on passage.
Underlying reasons why neither of the occupants of the dinghy survived
(i) Lack of any inbuilt buoyancy in the dinghy.
(ii) The difficulties both victims would have found swimming in the clothing and footwear being worn.
(iii) Inability to preserve body heat once immersed in cold water.
(iv) Lack of any means to prevent breaking water covering the victims' faces.
(v) Lack of any means to prevent lifejackets from riding up over victims' heads.
(vi) Inability to attract anyone's attention once they were in the water.
Recommendations
The RNLI Sea Safety Liaison Working Group is recommended to:
1. Review its existing advice on the preservation of life for anybody finding themselves inadvertently in the water. Such a review should look at all small craft users including those who only go afloat occasionally. It should cover:

• suitable clothing for the anticipated conditions;
• preserving body heat;
• the importance of having the most suitable lifesaving jackets for the intended activity;
• ensuring lifejackets are properly fitted and secured;
• effective means of attracting attention by a survivor in the water;
• informing a responsible and knowledgeable person or coastguard of intentions, including the ETA, prior to departure and reporting the safe arrival on completion.

Convictions Australian shipping arrivals and departures
Shipping movements for 1788 to 1967
Last updated on Thursday, 24 August 2000

Shipping movements for December 1845


Shipping movements for January 1846




Shipping movements for February 1846

Machine Swirled Finish
Limitless adjustment features
A richer tone
Less vibration
Absorbs excess heat from coils
Weight: 6.7 to 7.3 oz.
T6511 Cold Rolled Machined Billet Aircraft Aluminum
No Permeable Casted Materials Used!

Frame Features:
Lightweight Aluminum
Right or Left Handed
Sliding Spring Saddle
Sliding Front Binder (Liner or Shader)
Slotted Coil Mounts
Three Point Pull Type GUILLOTINE (tube vise)

Sterling Bowl by Old Newberry Crafters/Cartier

Description
Hand Hammered Sterling RevereType Commemorative made by Old Newberry Crafters for Cartier. Width across top 11 1/4" Diameter of base 6". Height 5 1/4". Weight 40 troy oz. Engraved with a crest saying NO. 45, Wilkes & Liberty on one side. Inscription on the other: "To the Memory of the Glorious Ninety-Two members of the Hon. House of Representatives of the Maffachiefels Bay who undaunted by the insolent Menaces of Villans in power from a strict regard to consceince and the Liberties of their Constituents on the 30th of June 1768 voted NOT TO RECIND." Names engraved around top: John Marston, Icabod Jones, John Homer, Wm. Bowers, Peter Boyer, Benj Cobb, Caleb Hopkins, Nathan Barber, John White, Wm. Mackay, Dan Malcolm, Benj Goodwin, John Welsh, Dan Parker & Fortescue Vernon. Very good condition.

Batting
 
Bowling
Earney
c; b Smith

12

Beswick, R
c; b Smith

0

Kitson
c; b Pugh

18

Marshall
b Crush

28

Green
c; b Cox

14

P. Grant
b Crush

6

Horsey
b Cox

6

J. Grant
c Smith b Crudh

9

Garland
b Cox

6

Fortesque
b Crush

0

Masterson
not out

2

Extras
9
Total
103
for 10
O
M
R
W

Marshall

8.2
6
4
1

Masterson

6
1
10
1

Green

5
2
11
2

Beswick

9
0
31
4

Garland

3
0
3
0

Earney

3
2
3
1

Win/Loss Ratio
Win
Loss
Draw
Tie
1
1
0
0
 
Min scored 109 all out. Stowting replied with 65 all out, so Min won by 45 runs
 

THE CHAOS ENGINE 2

"I have guided you here so that you might set me free, The Chaos has ended, You will be remembered....." As the image of Baron Fortesque fades the Scientist examines the ruins of the Chaos Engine. Suddenly he proclaims that the Baron has escaped and that the only way to catch him is to use the remnants of the machine to follow him; through time.... The Chaos Engine 2, a competitive action adventure game for 1Mb A500 and AGA Amigas which takes the characters from The Chaos Engine into a new style of game where stealth and cunning must be combined with reaction speed and shooting skill if you are to triumph!
Formats s AMIGA s CD32 s ARCHIMEDES s ST s PC s SEGA MASTER SYSTEM s SEGA MEGA DRIVE s SNES s
Awards s SEGA Awards 1994 Best Action Game s SEGA Awards 1994 Best 3rd Party Game of the Year s POWERPLAY Multi Player Game of the Year s

Soldiers of Fortune - by Z.L.O.

At the end of this century a professor called Baron Fortesque has created a bizarre machine called the Chaos Engine. It had the power to create any kind of trap and any kind of weapon. One day his creation figured out to think for itself and it turned against its creator. A big cloud of chaos surrounded the entire land which resulted in turning humans and animals into ravening beasts. Enter six hard-nailed mercenaries, hired by what's lets of the sane world to stop the Chaos Engine until it's not too late...

The Avengers Episode 1
"From Venus With Love"
(Bons baisers de Vénus)
by Philip Levene

.

.

Produced by Albert Fennell & Brian Clemens
Executive Producer Julian Wintle
Directed by Robert Day
Teleplay by Phillip Levene

All characters and events in this teleplay are fictitious and any similarity to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely co-incidental.

Music by Laurie Johnson
Starring Patrick Macnee as John Steed,
Diana Rigg as Emma Peel.
Barbara Shelley Venus Browne
Philip Locke Dr Henry Primble
Jon Pertwee Brigadier Whitehead
Derek Newark Crawford
Jeremy Lloyd Bertram Fortesque Winthrope Smith
Arthur Cox Professor Clarke
Principal items of Mr Macnee's wardrobe designed by Pierre Cardin
Miss Rigg's costumes designed by Alun Hughes

Mrs Peel is called away from her fencing practice by Steed's arrival.
They have to investigate when astronomers start turning white while observing Venus. Have the Venusians invaded earth, as Primble suggests to Steed? Are aliens killing the rich patrons of the British Venusian Society?
Steed is unconvinced and when they discover a tape recording of the aliens is in fact a laser warming up it's clear that Primble is behind it all. A deadly fight ensues and Emma is strapped in for corrective eye surgery.
The Avengers are invited to "have dinner on Venus", after dispatching Primble with his own laser, but Steed worries about his Claret not travelling well.

https://www.dissolute.com.au/the-avengers-tv-series/series-5/501-from-venus-with-love-cast.html

(Acte II) Le Ver d'Isadora Persano
(d’après Sir A. Conan Doyle)

Jeux : Aventures Extraordinaires & Machinations Infernales
Document : Scénario
Numéro : Cent Prétentions n°7
Auteur : Nicolas Palmier

"Une troisième histoire digne d'être citée est celle d'Isadora Persano, le journaliste et duelliste bien connu qui un matin fut trouvé fou devant une boîte d'allumettes contenant un ver mystérieux que la science ignorait."
Sir A. Conan Doyle Le Problème du pont de Thor
(....)
Question de dates
Sinon, c'est dans l'enchaînement des faits que réside la solution à cette énigme. En effet, Pilar ou B. Garcia pourront préciser que les deux "cambriolages" dont a été victime Persano ont eu lieu les 15 février et 20 mars 1890. Soit exactement la veille des deux derniers duels de Persano, avec B. Fortescue et S. Orvaz.
Par ailleurs, on note que Fortescue est mort le 30 mai 1890, c'est-à-dire après Orvaz qui est mort fin avril. Autre fait, le premier a été blessé au flanc, alors que le second a été touché au cou.
Qu'en conclure me direz-vous ? Eh bien, tout simplement que le ver de Persano, espèce de larve minuscule, n'est rien d'autre que l'un des monstres les plus terrifiants qui aient jamais menacé l'humanité : l'agent microscopique de la rage ! Si vos PJ ont cette intuition, il ne leur reste qu'à obtenir confirmation auprès d'un biologiste.

(....)
(télégramme)

Deux dernières années STOP 8 combats STOP perdu contre Emilio Mendoza STOP 7-05-1889 STOP 7 autres adversaires touchés STOP aucun gravement STOP 3 morts depuis STOP
2-02-1890 Diego Alvarez STOP touché cou STOP chute scencsion Cordillière Talamaca 5-12-90 STOP
16-02-1890 Brian Fortescue STOP Americain STOP flanc STOP crise hydrophobie 30-05-90 STOP
21-03-1890 Santiago Orvaz STOP main droite STOP contracté rage STOP mort 28-04-90 STOP
19-09-1889 Stephano Carbonell STOP bras gauche STOP
14-07-1889 Marco de Caëlla STOP cuisse gauche STOP
3-10-1889 Ramon Diaz STOP main droite STOP
25-01-1890 Franco Bautista STOP flanc STOP A bientôt STOP

© Cent Prétentions / © Imaginaire en Forez