MAIB confirms three-month investigation into sinking of Nicola Faith ‘ongoing’

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is in the process of carrying out report into the incident in the hope of identifying the cause of the vessel’s capsize at the end of January.

Carl McGrath, 34, Ross Ballantine 39, and Alan Minard, 20, were on board the vessel when it left Conwy Harbour on January 27. Their bodies were sadly found off the Wirral and Blackpool in March, before the boat was located the following the month.

MAIB said the boat would be transported to a secure location for further investigation, testing and stability analysis.

A spokesperson for the UK Government agency confirmed the investigation is ongoing. No further details could be confirmed at this time.

The condition of the boat when it was lifted about four months after the sinking. Picture: Department for Transport/UK Government

A remotely operated vehicle was initially used to conduct a final survey of Nicola Faith in the position in which it came to rest on the seabed, about 2.2 miles off the coast of Rhos Point.

Evidence including fishing equipment and outlying debris was mapped and collected from the area around it.

It is thought the information could be crucial in helping investigators understand what led to the capsizing of the boat.

The boat was raised using a 43-metre-long crane barge and placed on the deck of an adjacent ship ready for transportation.

Chief inspector of marine accidents Captain Andrew Moll said at the time: “This operation needed to be meticulously planned and executed to ensure that valuable evidence was conserved. We are pleased to have achieved that and successfully recovered Nicola Faith.

“The purpose of our investigation is to improve safety.

The Nicola Faith pictured leaving Conwy Harbour. Picture: Roger Fox

“The next phase of the investigation will be to establish what events led to the vessel’s capsize, the mechanics of how the vessel sunk and why.

“Once the investigation is complete a report which details the findings will be prepared and published.

“As well as providing the families with an explanation, our report will aim to prevent such a tragic accident recurring.”

A major multi-agency search was launched by the RNLI and Coastguard teams across the North Wales coast when the boat first failed to return; the search was stood down two days after the disappearance when nothing was found.

MAIB launched its search for the boat and missing crew members at the start of February and had acquired the use of Welsh Government patrol boat Rhodri Morgan.

This was then joined by deep water rescue specialist David Mearns after more than £68,000 was raised to acquire his expertise.

MAIB issued a notice of direction to prohibit access around the wreck pending further investigation, to prevent nearby anchoring, fishing by nets, trawls or lines, and diving, which remained in place until the boat was raised in May.

The families are understood to have been kept fully updated on the ongoing investigation.