Utopia IV sinks... a fuel tanker???

So, In a few months, I have to find a way to collect a couple cups of coffee.
Just remember, Sugar, light on the cream.

What's the likelihood that Bahamian authorities are detaining the vessel to complete their investigation?

Show me a collision report where only one boat was blamed? Typically one gets the primary blame but the second always gets some. Did they see the boat approaching? Did they call out to the other boat? A lot of questions to be answered. Faster boat hitting back part of boat sure speaks to fault. Boat accidents are just generally evaluated far differently than auto. Ironically though, in even auto accidents, where criminally there is only one driver charged, often in civil court the "innocent" driver is assessed some blame. And good attorneys will get 50% of the tickets thrown out.

I do feel there is a lot that we have no idea about, things going on both boats. There will be some revealing information from the interviews of crew members from both.

Of course, there will be multiple determinations. The CG will look at Captain fault. The governments will assess blame. Then insurers will fight to get a different court to determine apportionment of blame. Insurers may be the ones to uncover more of what was taking place on board as well.

And to get paid for cleanup and damage and more by both boats. I wouldn't be surprised to find there are some high fines.

So, 3 coffees?
I'll be buzzing from the caffeine.

They had a plan to fix it on Tuesday...

zero blame on the tanker.....Is there a Balize or Bahamian requirement for AIS or radar??The yacht was going fast w/ improper lookouts with homemade visibility problems....3 or 4
basic Rules of the Road answer any doubt..

Rule #2 was not practiced by either boat.
Rule #5 was not practiced by either boat.
Rule #7 was not practiced by either boat.
Rule #8 was not practiced by either boat.
Rule #17 was not practiced by either boat.

Before anybody starts broadcasting ammonia, re-read rules #2 & #5 again, slower.
In particular, the first two words in rule #5.

Da book states "Every Vessel".
I'm not saying anything new.
How this is preformed is up to how you want to follow the rule; extra crew, radar or good luck.

And YES, If somebody was looking astern either with eye balls or radar, MAYBE an action could of avoided the collision.

History has shown, it is everybodys fault when a collision occurs.

§ 83.05 Look-out (Rule 5).
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

IF (BiG IF) the tanker had sounded his horn, flashed a spotlight at the approaching Utopia,fired a flare gun and squawked on the VHF to alert the Utopia THEN it might not be held with any responsibility. Remains to be seen what actions they took.

Yes you are at some fault if you allow some idiot to hit you even if you have the right of way. I've always applied this fact to my over 50 years of motorcycle riding.

Or,, even moved out of the way.
Yep, I straddled a motor in my younger years. 360 observations to stay alive. Same attitude applies in aqua space.

Utopia IV has been towed to Miami while the investigation is still ongoing.

I was thinking the similar thought, wondering if the "tow it to Miami" order came down from insurance...

I am wondering why the islands government let it leave their waters pending any investigation. Or it indeed was moved to an local secure place and not Miami.