Safety Flash
MAIB: Sinking of tug Biter with loss of two lives
MAIB: Sinking of tug Biter with loss of two lives
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 06/26
- Competence and TrainingMarine OperationsVessel and Mooring
- Human factorsLoss of vessel stabilityVessel flooding and foundering
- Towing
- Competence and trainingFlood containment and watertight integrityIndependent audit and verificationRisk assessment
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on Biter’s fatal girting and capsize during passenger-vessel towage off Greenock. It highlights incomplete operational exchanges, inadequate pilot training, speed-related line loading, ineffective gob-rope protection and an open hatch. Recommendations address risk assessments, gob-rope rigging, manoeuvring speeds and tug-master and pilot training.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Loss of vessel stability; capsize; vessel stability.
Classifications: Vessel flooding and foundering; water ingress.
Classifications: Towing; towage.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Flood containment and watertight integrity.
Classifications: Independent audit and verification.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
MAIB has published Accident Investigation 17/2024 relating to the girting and capsize of tug Biter with the loss of two lives.
IMCA SF 06/26. Themes: competence and training, marine operations, vessel and mooring.