Investigation Report
Loss of propulsion in heavy weather experienced by the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery, leading to over 100 injuries and one fatality
Loss of propulsion in heavy weather experienced by the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery, leading to over 100 injuries and one fatality
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Machinery and EquipmentMarine Operations
- Mechanical failureRisk managementSlips, trips and falls
- Navigation
- Rotating machinery
- Emergency responseFirst aid and medical provisionOperating and work proceduresPositive retention and reliable securing
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
Investigation of Spirit of Discovery’s repeated propulsion losses in heavy weather in the Bay of Biscay. It examines pod overspeed protection, automatic pod parking, weather routing, furniture securing and medical response. Violent vessel motion injured 115 passengers; one passenger sustained a spinal injury and died four days later.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Risk management; risk evaluation.
Classifications: Slips, trips and falls; same-level falls.
Classifications: Navigation; vessel navigation; passage planning.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: First aid and medical provision.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Themes: machinery and equipment, marine operations.