In a report published this morning (Thursday), the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said the vessel foundered due to rapid and uncontrolled engine room flooding. Advertisement 4 of 9And although inspectors were unable to exactly identify the source of the flood, they said a failure of the vessel’s seawater pipework was the most likely cause. The report describes how the mate had gone to the engine room at about 4.45am to investigate a bilge alarm and found water ingress that had already reached the Opportune’s gearbox. Skipper Grant Irvine was informed and the decision was made that it was unsafe to enter the engine room. The report said: “The investigation determined that Opportune foundered due to an uncontrolled engine room flood.