A MAN whose boat crashed into the cliffside in the West Wight last year is due before Isle of Wight magistrates this afternoon (Thursday).

Ian Sullivan, of South Marston, Wiltshire, is charged with misconduct of master/crew likely to endanger ships/structures/individuals, on January 11 of this year.

He is accused of failing to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing, and all available means.

He is also accused of failing to proceed at a safe speed so that his vessel could take proper and effective action to avoid collision, which caused or was likely to have caused the death or serious injury to a person.

The charges relate to Mr Sullivan being the master of Sully – the vessel which crashed near Headon Warren viewpoint, not far from The Waterfront Bar and Restaurant in Totland, in September of last year.

In the wake of that incident, multiple casualties were taken to hospital.

Some were airlifted to the mainland after suffering 'serious injuries', said HM Coastguard at the time.