Isles of Scilly boating safety warning after harbour crash

Island boating tragedy sparks police safety warning

A serious incident at New Grimsby Harbour on Tresco has left our Isles of Scilly community reckoning with the consequences of reckless behaviour on water. In September 2024, Joshua Street, a 29-year-old resident of Bryher, piloted a 24-foot vessel directly into a moored boat, causing devastating damage estimated at more than £55,000. The collision left one vessel severely damaged and raised alarming questions about safety standards on our surrounding waters.

Street was discovered the following morning asleep aboard his own boat and subsequently arrested. Testing revealed he was between two and four times over the legal drink-driving limit at the time of the incident. At Truro magistrates court this week, he admitted causing damage likely to result in loss or serious harm to a vessel or maritime structure. The court handed him a £1,760 fine, ordered £16,271 in compensation and costs—a penalty that reflects the seriousness of his actions and their impact on fellow boaters and our tight-knit island community.

Why this matters to our island community

For those of us living on the Isles of Scilly, boats aren’t luxury items—they’re lifelines. The water connects our islands, sustains our economy through tourism and fishing, and is integral to how we live day-to-day. When visitors come to go to Newquay or explore our region, many eventually discover the unique appeal of our islands, where maritime activity is woven into community fabric.

PC Robin Strickland, the investigating officer, emphasised this reality: “The Isles of Scilly is a unique community where boating is an essential part of everyday life.” His statement underscores what locals already know—our harbours, moorings, and waterways are shared spaces where safety directly affects everyone. A careless pilot endangers not just property but lives, livelihoods, and the trust we place in fellow water users. This incident demonstrates that reckless behaviour on water carries real consequences, both legally and for our community’s wellbeing. The message from police is unambiguous: irresponsible conduct will be met with action from both law enforcement and the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

What local residents should know and do next

This case serves as a clear reminder for anyone using our waters: alcohol and boating don’t mix, and law enforcement takes these offences seriously. Whether you’re a regular boat operator, occasional weekend sailor, or visitor exploring our islands before heading to visit Newquay elsewhere in Cornwall, the standards apply equally. If you’re planning a boating trip, designate a sober pilot, check weather conditions, and maintain moorings responsibly.

Local boaters should also report any suspicious or unsafe behaviour on water to police or the Maritime Coastguard Agency. The authorities have made clear they will investigate and prosecute breaches of maritime law. For visitors planning trips to the region—whether to explore Fistral Beach further afield, enjoy dog friendly accommodation across Cornwall, or experience the unique charm of our islands—understand that our communities prioritise safety and respect for shared spaces. Anyone witnessing reckless boating activity should contact authorities immediately. Our harbours and waters belong to all of us, and maintaining them as safe spaces requires collective responsibility. Stay informed, stay safe, and report concerns.

Source: Drunk boat pilot crashed into Isles of Scilly harbour vessel