Martin Richley, owner and skipper of 9.5m Medway Tug Boat ‘Endurance’ was given an 8 month custodial sentence after his crew member Mr Steven Trice fell overboard and was not recovered.
The incident happened when the tow line parted in a gale as the tug was towing a 60ft motor cruiser from the River Medway to Brighton. Mr Trice fell overboard attempting to re-attach a tow line near Beachy Head. Mr Richley had been warned of the force 8 gales but ignored the warning and set out with his tug which was only licensed for “favourable” weather conditions.
