What Happens When Somebody Dies During a Yacht Charter?

Bahar O.

Death at sea is rare but not unheard of. When it happens during a yacht charter, a mix of maritime law, insurance protocols, and national regulations come into play. Here's what typically follows:

The tragic case of a British tourist in the Caribbean raises serious questions about safety protocols at sea.

The recent accidental death of 77-year-old Gareth Weekes during a yacht holiday near St Vincent and the Grenadines has brought this subject into the spotlight.

Gareth Weekes, a retired newspaper editor from Devon, was on a sailing holiday with his wife in March 2023 when he drowned while snorkelling off a remote, uninhabited island. The couple had been dropped off by dinghy, unaware of strong currents and without a means of communication. The dinghy later drifted away, leaving them stranded. Although rescue was attempted and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) was administered after Mr Weekes was found clinging to ropes, he could not be revived. His wife, Alison Weekes, told the inquest that they had received no safety briefing regarding local currents and no equipment to call for help.

What Are the Legal and Practical Steps After a Death on Charter?

1. Emergency Response by Crew
If the incident is witnessed or reported in time, the yacht’s crew is trained to initiate emergency measures such as rescue operations and CPR. The priority is always to stabilize the person and seek professional medical help. If in a remote area, contacting the coast guard or nearest port authority is essential.

2. Reporting to Authorities
Depending on where the yacht is registered (flag state) and the waters in which the incident occurs (territorial vs international waters), different authorities may need to be notified. In most cases:

The local port or maritime authority is contacted immediately.

If the yacht is chartered through a company, their headquarters are informed.

Local police or coroner’s office becomes involved if in territorial waters.

3. Coroner's Inquest and Repatriation
In tragic cases like Mr Weekes’, the body is returned to the nearest country with adequate facilities. An autopsy is often performed, followed by an inquest (as seen in the UK). The coroner investigates the cause of death and can suggest safety improvements if negligence or lack of information played a role.

4. Responsibility and Liability
In many charter contracts, “risky” activities such as snorkelling, diving, or hiking are classified as optional and at guests’ own risk. However, charter companies and skippers are still expected to:

Give safety briefings.

Warn guests of known local hazards (like strong currents).

Provide communication tools if guests are left on land or separated.

If they fail in these responsibilities, there could be grounds for civil action or regulatory penalties.

5. Insurance Coverage
Travel insurance typically covers repatriation and death abroad, but the specifics depend on the policy. Charter companies often have liability insurance, but coverage may be limited if the activity was deemed “unsupervised” or “optional.”

In popular sailing destinations like the Caribbean, Croatia, Greece, Turkey and Thailand, yacht holidays are increasingly common among retirees, families, and first-time sailors. Not all of them are strong swimmers or familiar with ocean currents. It is essential that charter companies adapt to this clientele by:

Conducting proper briefings before activities.

Providing waterproof communication devices.

Ensuring dinghies are properly secured and monitored.

And let’s be honest - all of us know that even when tourists are well-informed, some still like to take risks and behave like Spider-Man. They climb rocks, swim far beyond designated areas, or snorkel without fins because it “feels freer.” While personal responsibility matters, charter operators must anticipate human nature and factor it into their safety measures.

Conclusion: Responsibility Is Shared, But Clear Communication Is Key
While every adult assumes some responsibility when undertaking ocean activities, charter companies must provide guests with the right information and tools to make safe choices. The sea, however beautiful, can quickly become dangerous.