The Chiefton capsized near Greenwich Pier in the River Thames Picture: MAIB

A Gravesend man might have survived a tug boat sinking had he been wearing a life jacket, an investigation has found.

Darren Lacey, 40, was working on the Chiefton when it capsized near Greenwich Pier in the River Thames last August.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) also found that no one had been put in overall charge of the vessel, which was towing a barge.

Mr Lacey was one of three who went overboard the tug at 10.50am on Friday, August 2011. The deckhand could not swim and was not wearing a life jacket.

Two men were quickly hauled out of the water, but rescuers could not find the third. But three days later, Mr Lacey’s body was found in the river.

A report by MAIB said: “All those involved had wide experience of tug operations on the River Thames.

“However, virtually no one engaged in either the planning or execution of the tow had experience in the specific combined push/pull configuration used on the day, with pilots involved, downriver of Tower Bridge.

“No one had been formally nominated in overall charge.”

The Chiefton tug boat before the sinking

It added that collision with the barge was “inevitable” because of “late and inappropriate action, coupled with Chiefton’s insufficient reserve of power and short tow ropes”.

The investigation found that none of the crew were wearing life jackets, contrary to the Port of London Authority’s policy.

The report said: “The evidence indicates that none of the crew of Chiefton were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident. Had the casualty done so, he might well have survived.”

The Chiefton belonged to Palmers Marine Services, a family tugboat business based in Wharf Road, Gravesend.