In a detailed statement, Bavaria Yachtbau has for the first time commented in writing on the keel loss of a Bavaria 42match in the Adriatic Sea, which resulted in the death of a sailor. The text in full:
Statement of Bavaria Yachtbau from Friday, 6 May 2005
"Unfortunately, a tragic accident involving a Bavaria 42match occurred during a regatta event in Croatia for reasons that have not yet been clarified, in which a Hungarian sailor lost his life. We deeply regret this accident and offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased sailor.
However, most of the available information about the course of the accident is only conjecture, rumours and media reports, some of which are very contradictory. For this reason, the course of the accident and the ultimate cause of the accident have not yet been definitively clarified.
We know that the ship was travelling in darkness and heavy weather and that a fishing net had become entangled in the propeller. The ropes of the net in the propeller are clearly visible in some of the photos we have. The engine could therefore not be used in an emergency situation. Under these conditions, the crew crossed against the existing YUGO in a shallow area in order to reach the intended race destination.
Based on our assessment of the damage, we assume that the ship had grounded while sailing in position before the accident and was unable to use the engine due to the net in the propeller and had to continue sailing. The keel, which had already been loosened by the grounding, was completely torn out while sailing on the starboard bow. The ship then capsized. We have not yet been able to determine the exact position of the accident, as the GPS tracking system has not yet been analysed. The keel of the ship has also not yet been found and recovered.
We know that other ships of the same series from this charter fleet have already had more serious groundings and have not lost their keels. Another owner from Finland ran aground on a granite rock with his Bavaria 42match a few days ago and was then able to sail to a safe harbour and reach it without any consequential damage.
Never before, even with critical grounding, has a Bavaria sailing yacht ever lost its keel. Therefore, based on our previous experience and the available information, it is incomprehensible to us that the keel should have come loose on its own without any previous external influence.
The existing and certified laminate plans of all Bavaria sailing yachts are fulfilled beyond the design specifications.
However, as the exact cause of the accident is not yet known and a technical cause cannot be ruled out at present, we are currently investigating all Bavaria 42match yachts in the keel area together with our dealers, due to our sense of responsibility towards our customers and as part of our product monitoring obligation.
At the same time, we are checking the structural systems of these sailing yachts with the support of recognised experts. In order to increase the safety reserves and to minimise damage and consequential damage in the event of grounding, we will immediately arrange for the keel laminate / keel fastening of all Bavaria 42match to be retrofitted.
Contrary to rumours to the contrary, not all Bavaria 42match boats in Croatia have been banned from sailing, but only the entire fleet of one charter company involved in this regatta. We have already offered this customer to refit all the ships in his fleet with his consent under the supervision of the Croatian registration authorities so that they can be put back into service as soon as possible.
Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH
06.05.2005
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
