Investigation Report
Capsize of sloop towed by police launch Sea Quest with loss of at least 60 lives
Capsize of sloop towed by police launch Sea Quest with loss of at least 60 lives
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Marine Operations
- DrowningLoss of vessel stability
- Towing
- Emergency responseEvacuation, escape and rescueOperating and work procedures
- Marine industry
- Marine watersVessel
Summary
Investigation of a migrant sloop’s capsize while towed by Sea Quest near Providenciales, with 60 bodies recovered. Stability analysis indicated negligible stability with 125 passengers on deck, but the exact trigger remained unknown. Recommendations address safe interception procedures, patrol-launch capability, communications and maritime search-and-rescue coordination.
Classifications: Drowning; man overboard; person overboard.
Classifications: Loss of vessel stability; capsize; vessel stability.
Classifications: Towing; towage.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Investigation into a sloop overturning while under tow by police launch Sea Quest, with at least 60 fatalities.
Themes: marine operations.