News - 06/11/25

At approximately 1900 hours on Tuesday 04 November 2025, the Shetland Trader, a 75-metre cargo vessel, experienced an engine power failure while transiting the River Medina.

The Cowes Pilot on board the vessel instigated a well-established emergency procedure, deploying the ship’s anchor to slow down and control movement. However, movement continued for a short distance before making contact with a moored yacht and motorboat, subsequently coming to a complete stop.

During the incident, the yacht’s moorings were parted, and it became entangled with the cargo vessel’s structure. There were no persons onboard either of the moored vessels at the time, and no injuries were sustained by the crew of the Shetland Trader.

With the assistance of local boat owners, the yacht was safely removed from the bow of the vessel and secured alongside a pontoon. The Shetland Trader later regained engine power, recovered its anchor, and continued passage to the commercial wharf in Cowes.

Cowes Harbour Commission staff were quickly on scene to assist with the safe movement of the yacht and to conduct initial inspections of the affected vessels. Harbour staff also attended the Shetland Trader to take statements from both the Master and the Pilot.

A full investigation into the incident is now underway, and all relevant vessel owners and authorities have been informed.

Cowes Harbour Commission would like to thank all those who assisted during and after the incident for their cooperation and prompt response.