High-Speed Boat Crash in Poole Harbour Claims Young Life
Morgan George Smith, 21, from Northampton, has been jailed for three years for gross negligence manslaughter. The Bournemouth Crown Court heard he caused a fatal collision in Poole Harbour by recklessly speeding at night.
Fatal Collision After Regatta Drinking Spree
The tragedy happened in the early hours of 2 May 2022. Smith, who had been drinking at a regatta prize-giving event at Poole Yacht Club, agreed to ferry 24-year-old David Haw from Sussex and others across the harbour in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB).
Smith hit the illuminated metal Diver Buoy at nearly 30 knots—almost three times the speed limit. The impact threw Mr Haw and another passenger into the water. While the other passenger managed to get back on board, Mr Haw vanished beneath the waves.
Rescue Efforts and Grim Discovery
- Smith and the other passenger reached shore and raised the alarm at 1:59am.
- Searches involved Dorset police dive teams, Coastguard, RNLI, and volunteers.
- David Haw’s body was sadly found two weeks later on 14 May 2022.
Experts uncovered multiple safety failures: Smith was drinking, driving recklessly fast in an unfamiliar and crowded harbour at night, using a mobile phone for navigation, and neither he nor passengers wore life jackets. Crucially, Smith wasn’t qualified to operate the RIB after dark.
Police and Coastguard Speak Out
“Smith showed no regard for the safety of his passengers,” said Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins. “He was not trained for night-time operation and allowed risky behaviour that led to a tragic death.”
Mark Cam, Lead Investigator at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, added: “This case sadly highlights how alcohol and boats create deadly risks. Proper training and safety must never be ignored.”
Smith was arrested the evening after the crash and later charged following a detailed investigation involving Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team and marine safety experts.
