Investigation Report
Safety warning about keel failures on sailing yachts
Safety warning about keel failures on sailing yachts
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Marine OperationsStructural and Asset Integrity
- Loss of vessel stabilityMechanical failureStructural and asset integrity
- Inspection and maintenanceMarine operations
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
This safety bulletin examines the capsize of the commercial yacht Tyger of London following separation of its shallow-draught lead keel. Partially welded frame connections progressively failed, while lead casting concealed the joins from inspection. It warns owners of similarly constructed keels about survey limitations and recommends conditional out-of-water inspections by qualified yacht surveyors.
Classifications: Loss of vessel stability; capsize; vessel stability.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Marine operations; maritime operations.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Urgent safety lesson issued after the yacht Tyger of London capsized off Tenerife, Canary Islands due to a shallow draught, lead keel failure.
Themes: marine operations, structural and asset integrity.