Hung jury on one charge against Liquid Vortex skipper but company director cleared

UPDATED AT 16:39

The jury has reached a decision in the Hot Liquid sailing trial in Southampton.

Company director Jason Manning has been found not guilty of all charges under section 58 of the Merchant Shipping Act. Charles Sturrock, skipper of the Liquid Vortex, has been found not guilty of insufficient passage planning but the jury was hung on the question of whether Sturrock conducted a proper risk assesment.

The Marine and Coastguard Angency’s Enforcement Unit will now consider whether to pursue a retrial on the second charge.

Last week the pair were cleared of four counts relating to errors made on on a voyage from Shamrock Quay in Southampton to the London Boat Show in January 2012 due to insufficient evidence.

The five-strong novice crew had each paid £225 to take part in the voyage but were dramatically rescued in force 10 storms after suffering seasickness and hypothermia.

What do you think about the case? Join in the discussion on the Yachting and Boating World forums