A SKIPPER whose workboat collided with a cargo ship in Poole Harbour, forcing it to run aground, has been fined.

The harbour master has now said it was "fortunate" that the crash caused by Andrew Collings, of Gladys Avenue in North End, Portsmouth, didn't cause fatalities.

The defendant, 54, was in charge of vessel MCS3 on January 13 when it impeded the passage of the Fluvius Otter.

As a result of the collision, the cargo ship ran aground at Brownsea Island.

On Thursday, June 29, Collings admitted a breach of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £935 towards the costs of bringing the prosecution. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £100.

Harbour master Brian Murphy of the Poole Harbour Commissioners said: “It was very fortunate the accident did not result in any injuries or fatalities or any pollution in the harbour.

"The accident could easily have been avoided by following all collision avoidance regulations.

"It’s vitally important to keep a proper lookout at all times.”