Safety prosecution of Thames passenger boat Master

Enforcement of navigational safety on the tidal Thames by the Port of London Authority (PLA) has resulted in the prosecution of the Master of one of two passenger boat vessels involved in a collision on the river last December.

Yesterday (29 August 2023), Westminster Magistrates Court ordered Stuart McKenna to pay a fine and costs totalling £3,400 for his role in the incident, which saw the vessel he was in charge of, the Millennium of London, collide with the Pride of London, near Waterloo Bridge on 15 December 2022.

Mr McKenna pleaded guilty to the charge of navigating a vessel on the Thames in a manner liable to injure or endanger persons, or other vessels, etc, under section 108(b) of the Port of London Act 1968 (as Amended).

Sentencing, the judge commented on the “high culpability and high level of potential harm” posed by the standard of Mr McKenna’s navigation.

During the incident, a member of the bar staff on board the Pride of London suffered a minor injury. Both vessels were also damaged, the Pride of London more seriously than the Millennium of London.

PLA harbour master Adam Layer said: “This incident had every potential to be far more serious.

“The standard of Mr McKenna’s navigation of his vessel fell well below the standards we set, which are intentionally high.

“This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to navigational safety on the tidal Thames.

“We will continue to take action against Masters who fail to navigate with the required care and attention.”

The Millennium of London is owned by City Cruises. Adam Layer added: “I would like to thank City Cruises for their full co-operation with our investigation.”