Control
Evacuation, Escape and Rescue
Arrangements for leaving danger and rescuing persons.
Newest 100 Documents
All 647 in search- 202620 Aug
Man overboard from the lone-operated creel fishing vessel Sea Eagle (AH18) resulting in one presumed fatality
MAIB investigates the presumed loss of Sea Eagle’s lone skipper off Montrose. The mechanism of entry into the water remains unknown. Analysis examines semi-self-shooting creel operations, increased entanglement risk when carrying two strings, incomplete risk assessments, cold-water exposure and limitations on raising the alarm and self-recovery.
- 202613 Aug
Grounding and subsequent loss of the fishing vessel Silver Cloud II (WK 80)
Investigation of Silver Cloud II’s grounding and subsequent loss near Lochinver. The skipper fell asleep during a lone navigational watch, very likely through acute fatigue exacerbated by illness and inadequate rest. Analysis examines watch alarm limitations and crew abandonment; regular safety drills likely helped the three crew escape without injury.
- 202628 Jul
Man overboard from the bulk carrier World Prize with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a bosun’s fatal fall into the sea during combination-ladder rigging on World Prize. It analyses normalised unsafe practices, ineffective supervision, permit compliance, incompatible flotation and harness equipment, and radio shortages. Pilot-boat recovery capability and training gaps are examined alongside subsequent corrective actions; no recommendations were made.
- 202618 Jun
Fall overboard from the crab potting vessel Amadeus (TH7) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard during manual crab-pot hauling on Amadeus in the North Sea. It examines low bulwark protection, biomechanical demands, almost certain significant fatigue, absent flotation and ineffective recovery arrangements. Findings address deficient safety management and regulatory oversight, with recommendations on fall prevention, handling assessment and work–rest monitoring.
- 20266 Jun
Poorly Maintained Crane Components Result in Multiple Personnel Injured During Transfers
Two offshore personnel-basket transfer incidents involved uncontrolled crane auxiliary-line descents and injuries. Investigations identified uncorrected component deficiencies in one case and inadequate hoist brake adjustment in the other. The alert recommends considering timely maintenance, loaded brake checks, wire-rope fouling checks, stop-work interventions, clearer transfer communications and verified medical evacuation arrangements.
- 202621 May
Man overboard from the potting vessel Wilaya (M36) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal overboard incident during pot deployment on Wilaya near Jack Sound. A rope bight caught the deckhand’s leg, dragging him into the sea; attached gear overcame his flotation device. The report examines crew–gear separation, risk-assessment implementation, safety training, inspection shortcomings and casualty recovery.
- 20267 May
Grounding and subsequent loss of the fishing vessel Crystal Stream (LH 147)
MAIB investigates Crystal Stream’s grounding and subsequent loss near Barmore Island, Scotland. The lone watchkeeper fell asleep; severe fatigue from accumulated sleep debt was highly likely. The report examines flooding, ineffective watchkeeping, delayed liferaft evacuation and inadequate safety management, recommending improved watchkeeping procedures and fleetwide fatigue management.
- 202630 Apr
Double man overboard from the fishing vessel Weston Bay (GY123) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation into two deckhands entering the water during pot deployment aboard Weston Bay, with one death. It examines manual downstacking, exposure to running gear, loss of flotation support and failed recovery equipment, alongside deficiencies in emergency drills, risk assessments, crew task allocation and safety training. The second deckhand’s entry mechanism remains unknown.
- 202628 Apr
Diver entanglement – umbilical caught around an anode
A diver’s umbilical snagged on a conductor-shaft anode at 18 msw after tidal current pushed it towards the structure. Slack allowed in-water decompression to continue while a stand-by diver freed the line. Planned diving time was not exceeded. The flash highlights attention to local environmental conditions and situational awareness.
- 202628 Apr
Diver entanglement – uncontrolled equipment in the water column
During shallow-water welding, a diver’s bail-out regulator became entangled in a rope supporting a rubber mat and welding rods. Swell moved the suspended items uncontrollably. A stand-by diver freed him within the planned diving time. The flash highlights loose-rope avoidance, tool positioning and possible use of lockable carabiners.
- 202628 Apr
Failure of moonpool railing system caused man overboard situation in moonpool
A degraded removable railing post failed when a crew member lost balance beside a moonpool. They caught a guidewire and were rescued with a boathook, sustaining a dislocated shoulder. The flash examines inspection omissions, unclear responsibilities and ineffective hazard follow-up, recommending secured barriers, preventive maintenance and pre-task assessment of barrier failure.
- 202615 Apr
LTI – crew member squeezed between buoy and cargo rail
An anchor-handling crew member was trapped against a cargo rail when releasing a remaining lashing allowed a partly interconnected buoy to spring back. The flash describes crane positioning, rescue using a tugger line and aft capstan, and helicopter evacuation. Lessons emphasise checking residual securing and stored energy before moving complex loads.
- 2026Apr
Emergency response systems save lives! — Process Safety Beacon, April 2026
This issue examines an ammonia release at a Virginia food processing facility where evacuees encountered the outdoor cloud and four employees were hospitalised. It highlights shortcomings in alarms, emergency shutdown use and release-specific planning, emphasising trained responders, regular drills, safe relief discharge locations and wind-dependent evacuation routes.
- 20263 Mar
Cook temporarily trapped in freezer
A vessel’s cook became trapped in a walk-in freezer when the unsecured door closed during adverse weather and the internal release button was inoperable following moisture ingress. Crew opened the door externally without injury. Actions included weekly maintenance inspections, greasing the release mechanism, revised entry procedures and crew training.
- 2026Mar
Personal Safety (USCG)
US Coast Guard inspection questions address personnel safety on manned and unmanned OCS platforms. They link protective equipment, housekeeping, deck guarding, lifesaving provision, escape arrangements and emergency drills to regulatory authorities and enforcement actions. Individual entries carry update labels, including March 2026 changes to escape and survival equipment checks.
- 202611 Feb
Collision between the bulk carrier Polesie and the general cargo ship Verity resulting in the sinking of Verity and loss of five lives
Investigation of the German Bight collision between Polesie and Verity, which rapidly sank with five fatalities. It examines incremental collision-avoidance manoeuvres, navigation displays, late vessel traffic service intervention and duplex radio limitations, alongside flooding, search and rescue, and the constraints imposed by absent voyage data recorder evidence.
- 202622 Jan
Fall from a pilot ladder while attempting to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk from the pilot vessel Humber Saturn with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal pilot boarding accident involving Finnhawk and Humber Saturn. A probable cardiac event preceded the fall, while recovery-platform failure left the injured pilot partially immersed for over 40 minutes. The report examines medical fitness assessment, hydraulic defects, maintenance, cold-water protection and rescue training.
- 202612 Jan
NTSB: Engine room fire – put things back properly after maintenance
An IMCA flash summarises a fatal engine-room fire aboard a dredging vessel. NTSB attributed the probable cause to lubricating oil spraying from a generator and igniting off a nearby running engine after a plug was not reinstated. Lessons emphasise post-maintenance inspection, correct reassembly and local test starts where appropriate and practical.
- 2026
Fit testing respiratory protective equipment for escape and emergency response on offshore installations
Guidance on face-fit testing respiratory protection for offshore escape and emergency response teams. It distinguishes tight-fitting breathing apparatus from escape equipment that does not require fit testing, and addresses risk assessment, clean-shaven policies, prompt donning and training. Dutyholders are advised to review escape provision and ensure emergency responders receive required fit testing.
- 202522 Dec
Vessel facilities subject to external hydrocarbon hazards guidance note
Guidance on safety cases for vessel facilities exposed to external hydrocarbon hazards. It addresses facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, ignition prevention, gas detection, emergency shutdown and evacuation arrangements. Supporting analyses examine fire, explosion and emergency-system survivability, while the Montara case illustrates shortcomings in preparedness and external-hazard assessment.
- 202517 Dec
Capsize and foundering of the prawn trawler Odyssey (FR 70)
Investigation of Odyssey’s capsize during net recovery in the North Sea. Wash water accumulated on the shelter deck, with a tonnage valve likely obstructed, causing loss of stability. Stability modelling, pump controls, drainage arrangements and emergency preparedness are examined. All six crew abandoned to a liferaft and were rescued uninjured.
- 2025Dec
Health Safety Insight 2025
Annual review of UK offshore energy health and safety, centred on 2024 performance with historical comparisons. It examines hydrocarbon releases, maintenance backlogs, injury trends, medical assessment outcomes and evacuations, including mental health. Offshore aviation analysis covers fleet utilisation, helicopter safety indicators and the inclusion of wind operations.
- 202526 Nov
Control measures and performance standards guidance note
Guidance for offshore facility operators on selecting and assessing controls for major accident risks and establishing verifiable performance standards. It addresses layered protection, common-mode failures, ALARP demonstration, critical operating parameters and lifecycle suitability, linking safety-case documentation with functional testing, monitoring, audit, review and contingency arrangements when controls underperform.
- 202521 Nov
Emergency planning guidance note
Guidance on emergency planning and safety-case requirements for offshore petroleum facilities. It addresses command arrangements, team competence, medical provision, equipment assurance, communications, evacuation analysis and emergency shutdown. It distinguishes regulatory obligations from suggested approaches and explains performance standards, drills, review and management of planning changes.
- 202517 Nov
Broken equipment repaired or replaced
Five cases describe defects affecting a dock firefighting pump, immersion suit zip, emergency exit handle, ventilation flap seals and lifejacket storage box hinges. Repairs, replacement and additional inspection arrangements restored readiness. The flash highlights potentially serious cumulative consequences of minor defects and suggests considering regular checks of safety equipment details.
- 20257 Nov
Bunker hose obstructing emergency exit
A bunker hose on an offshore vessel prevented a stern emergency hatch from opening, potentially blocking escape. The flash discusses hose routing, crew supervision and incorporating engine-room escape into bunkering risk assessments and toolbox talks. It stresses keeping exits clear and asks whether barriers or signage could prevent obstruction.
- 202530 Oct
Supporting safety studies guidance note
Guidance explains supporting studies for facility safety cases, covering fire and explosion risk analysis, smoke and gas impairment, evacuation, escape and rescue, and emergency-system survivability. It distinguishes regulatory requirements from recommendations and discusses systematic assessment, modelling assumptions, control performance and evidence that risks are reduced as low as reasonably practicable.
- 202525 Sep
Cuisine Solutions Ammonia Release
CSB investigates an ammonia refrigeration release at Cuisine Solutions in Sterling, Virginia, which injured workers during evacuation. Relief-valve testing and dispersion modelling examine overpressure, liquid aerosol and unsafe discharge. The initiating upset remains undetermined. Recommendations address relief-system assessment, process-data retention, ammonia alarms and emergency preparedness.
- 202511 Sep
Man overboard from fishing vessel Kingfisher (DH 110) with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fatal overboard accident during manual creel shooting on Kingfisher. A toggle passed through a loose flotation-device becket, attaching a deckhand to fishing gear that pulled him underwater. It analyses equipment compatibility, uncommunicated snagging hazards, ineffective risk assessments and incomplete training, and records recovery efforts and subsequent safety actions.
- 2025Sep
1 - Big people in lifeboats and lifesaving appliances
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on accommodating increasing worker weight and size in evacuation and rescue arrangements. It explains statistical passenger design-weight calculations, capacity adjustments, seating and restraint suitability, and considerations for other lifesaving appliances and medical equipment. It also addresses verification, interim arrangements and safety-case changes.
- 202518 Jul
Capsize and sinking of fishing vessel Njord with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Njord’s capsize and sinking while processing a large catch, with one crew member drowning. Analysis examines catch loading, downflooding through an open drain valve, vessel modifications and stability-book assumptions. Indicative digital stability modelling supports the findings, alongside examination of flotation protection, liferaft deployment, emergency communications and rescue.
- 202510 Jul
Man overboard from creel fishing vessel Nista (LK121) with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal overboard accident involving Nista’s lone skipper during creel shooting near Luing. Entanglement in the back rope pulled him underwater. The report examines deck layout, personal flotation, alarm access, self-recovery and risk assessment, and discusses outstanding industry recommendations on single-handed fishing safety guidance.
- 202512 Jun
Diving Guidelines - Diving Safety Management Systems and Diving Project Plans
Guidance for preparing diving safety management systems and project-specific diving plans under OPGGS and OEI regulations. It addresses hazard assessment, operational procedures, competence, maintenance, workforce consultation and change management. Emergency provisions include diving bell rescue and evacuation of saturation divers while maintaining pressure, alongside monitoring, investigation and audit requirements.
- 202514 May
Foundering of the yacht Bayesian with loss of 7 lives
This interim investigation examines Bayesian’s capsize and foundering near Porticello, Italy, with seven fatalities. It describes abandonment and rescue, analyses storm conditions, and models stability and windage with the centreboard raised. Findings rely on limited verified evidence and an assumed loss condition, pending examination of the salvaged wreck.
- 202524 Apr
Person overboard from keelboat LimbItless with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines Elizabeth Wood’s fatal fall overboard from LimbItless off Cowes. The precise fall mechanism remains unknown. It analyses inadequate individual recovery planning, volunteer training, lifejacket suitability and absent safety-boat support, alongside gaps in oversight of charitable sailing activities and subsequent improvements to recovery provision.
- 202516 Apr
Fatality following a fall from a wind turbine
A safety flash describes a fatal five-metre fall at Kilgallioch Wind Farm in Scotland, where the worker had not connected his harness to a fall arrest system. Inquiry recommendations address rehearsed rescue arrangements, suitable casualty stretchers and consideration of technology to warn colleagues when someone disconnects from fall protection.
- 202510 Apr
Swamping of small commercial vessel Calypso 2 with loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Calypso 2’s swamping in a coastal cove in Anguilla, resulting in two drowning fatalities. The report examines exposure to ground seas, excursion risk assessment, passage planning, flotation-device use and regulatory oversight. It also analyses distress alerting, casualty recovery and medical provision, recommending improvements to vessel management and rescue arrangements.
- 20253 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 498 - Explosion and Fire Incident
A liftboat explosion during separator draining injured two workers with burns. Gas accumulated on deck and a generator surge triggered ignition. The alert examines tank sealing, unsuitable gas detectors, failed air-intake shutoff controls and delayed medical evacuation, recommending that operators consider improved procedures, inspections, testing and emergency arrangements.
- 202520 Mar
Fatal accident on board bulk carrier Berge Mawson with loss of 3 lives
MAIB investigates three stevedore deaths in Berge Mawson’s coal cargo hold access space. The report considers a fatal atmospheric mechanism highly likely, while noting that medical causes were unconfirmed. It examines pre-entry gas testing, permits, access security, warning comprehension, training and rescue arrangements during cargo operations.
- 20257 Mar
BSEE Safety Alert 497 - Weather Creates Sudden and Unpredictable Risks
BSEE describes a wave-related femur injury on a deepwater drilling rig and further adverse-weather incidents involving personnel transfers, vessel collision and lost dynamic positioning capability. Recommendations address weather-dependent access restrictions, communication of unusual hazards, suspension of non-critical work and assessment of medical evacuation capabilities during adverse conditions.
- 202527 Feb
Grounding and capsize of creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose with loss of 1 life
Investigation into the fatal grounding and capsize of Lexi Rose at Melrose Point. The report examines likely outboard lower-unit impact damage, loss of propulsion in swell, and constraints on single-handed emergency actions. It discusses distress radio use, anchoring limitations and the survival benefits of wearing a personal flotation device.
- 20256 Feb
Safety warning issued following Egyptian liveaboard dive boat accidents in the Red Sea resulting in the loss of life
This MAIB bulletin examines three Egyptian liveaboard dive boat casualties in the Red Sea. It identifies inadequate stability, deficient lifesaving and fire protection arrangements, obstructed escape provisions and poor briefings and crew training. Customers are advised to use recognised vendors offering safety assurance and request thorough onboard briefings before departure.
- 202523 Jan
Accident to chief engineer on board motor yacht Baton Rouge with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a chief engineer’s fatal electrocution during ventilation damper actuator replacement aboard Baton Rouge in Antigua. It examines work on a live circuit, unused permit arrangements, heat, inadequate monitoring and rescue planning, and conflicting enclosed-space definitions. Management revised its procedures; the report makes no recommendations.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 80 (Autumn 2025)
This maritime incident digest examines unsafe pilot transfers, an obstructed escape hatch, incorrect antenna labelling, pest infestation and unsafe fumigation, an unmanned survey vessel capsize, and an enclosed-space inspection injury. Commentary emphasises practical design validation, operational limits, crew welfare and confirmed communication between teams.
- 2025
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2025
A marine safety digest examining merchant, fishing and recreational vessel casualties, including collisions, groundings, fires, capsizes and people entering the water. Case lessons address navigation, mooring, towage, maintenance and emergency preparedness, with detailed discussion of flotation-device entanglement, battery charging, fuel hoses and vessel modifications. Reproduced bulletins and flyers provide further incident-specific learning.
- 20244 Dec
Man overboard from potting vessel Pioneer with loss of 1 life
Investigation of the fatal overboard incident from Pioneer south of Hastings examines low bulwarks, unworn flotation devices, unsuccessful manual recovery and delayed distress communication. The initial fall mechanism remains uncertain. Findings address deficient risk assessment, emergency drills, safety training and fishing-vessel inspection and deficiency close-out arrangements.
- 202415 Nov
Safety Alert 492 - Fall Protection Self-Retracting Lanyard
BSEE describes two falls involving self-retracting lanyards: an approximately 90-foot fall with an incorrectly rigged belay, and a swinging fall involving an offset anchor point. It recommends that operators and contractors consider system angle limits, pre-use inspections, functional checks, job safety analysis, current training and site-specific rescue planning.
- 202424 Oct
Grounding and subsequent loss of stern trawler Ocean Maid
Investigation of Ocean Maid’s grounding at Cairnbulg Point and subsequent loss. It examines unattended watchkeeping, reliance on past tracks across two chart plotters, impaired night vision and likely effects of insufficient sleep. The report analyses navigation competence, risk assessment and the prompt abandonment and rescue of all four crew.
- 202424 Oct
Positive: successful rescue of surfer on the open sea
A pilot boat crew rescued a distressed surfer at sea, using a megaphone to establish communication and a man-overboard ramp for boarding. The flash highlights prompt recognition and response, and recommends vigilant watchkeeping, emergency drills, clear communication protocols, safety-equipment checks and monitoring of weather and sea conditions.
- 20243 Oct
Collision between pair trawlers Guiding Light and Guiding Star resulting in Guiding Star flooding and sinking
This investigation examines a collision during pair-trawler fish transfers south-east of Fair Isle, followed by Guiding Star’s flooding and sinking. It analyses unattended navigational controls, undocumented transfer practices, flooding limitations and emergency preparedness. Crew abandonment and recovery succeeded without serious injuries; recommendations address flooding awareness and accessible survival equipment.
- 202425 Sep
Man overboard during motion compensated gangway transfer
An offshore worker fell overboard from a height of one metre when a manually station-kept vessel drifted off and its motion-compensated gangway disconnected. His life-jacket failed to inflate, but he was recovered within 22 seconds. The flash addresses gangway emergency procedures, drift-off familiarisation, flotation-device checks and safety induction.
- 20245 Sep
Safety warning issued following a man overboard from potting vessel Kingfisher with loss of 1 life
This bulletin presents initial findings after a Kingfisher deckhand was pulled overboard during creel shooting. A creel leg rope threaded through his flotation device’s lifting strop connected him to the backrope. It calls for deck risk assessment reviews and task-appropriate flotation devices, while warning against unauthorised modifications that compromise recovery arrangements.
- 202415 Aug
Flooding and partial sinking of an inflatable migrant boat with the loss of at least 8 lives
Investigation into an inflatable migrant boat’s flooding and partial sinking in the Dover Strait, with at least eight lives lost. It examines poor construction, floor failure of unknown initial cause, cold-water immersion, buoyancy aids and UK search and rescue operations, including weather-limited aerial surveillance and distress reporting.
- 20241 Aug
Capsize and sinking of fishing vessel Angelena
Investigation of Angelena’s capsize and sinking during single-handed catch recovery off Exmouth. It examines excessive suspended net loading, low fuel levels, vessel modifications and absent stability testing. The report also analyses crewing assumptions in risk assessments, stability training and lifesaving arrangements that helped the uninjured skipper survive.
- 202425 Jul
Grounding and subsequent loss of commercial swim event support vessel Channel Queen
Investigation of Channel Queen’s grounding on the Varvassi wreck during an Isle of Wight relay swim on 20 July 2023. It examines inadequate passage planning, ineffective navigation equipment use, the qualified skipper’s departure and divided attention at the helm. Recommendations address qualified crewing and chart-based passage planning; flooding led to beaching and abandonment.
- 202416 Jul
Loss of pressure to diver’s primary air supply
A diver was recovered safely after primary air supply pressure fell. Surface testing traced regulator sticking to dried lubricant restricting the sensing assembly, particularly during light breathing. The flash discusses supervisory intervention, insufficient internal servicing, regulator rotation and increased six-monthly maintenance, testing and cleaning.
- 20242 Jul
UK MAIB: A slip into the hold
A cargo-vessel crew member fell into a hold while repositioning a single-lanyard safety hook to reach a bulkhead locking bolt, sustaining an open upper-arm fracture. The flash highlights inadequate lighting, incomplete working-at-height risk assessments and missing casualty recovery arrangements, with treatment at the scene lasting over an hour before hospital transfer.
- 20242 Jul
UK MAIB: Man overboard – unguarded opening
A crew member preparing for berthing overbalanced while swinging a heaving line around a pillar and fell through an unguarded opening. Crew recovered the person using a line; medical assessments found no injury. The flash highlights dynamic risk assessment, stopping unsafe work and subsequent installation of a railing.
- 202420 Jun
Flooding, capsize and sinking of stern trawler Piedras
Investigates the flooding, capsize and sinking of Piedras south-west of Mizen Head. The initial water ingress source remains unknown. Analysis examines unsuccessful pumping, watertight integrity, flood-response preparation and delayed distress signalling, alongside liferaft deployment and servicing deficiencies. All crew were rescued uninjured from the working liferaft.
- 202418 Jun
Personnel exposed to hydrogen sulphide during maintenance
Subcontractors encountered hydrogen sulphide during annual acid-filter maintenance in a vessel’s well treatment system room. Re-entry after an All Stop led to alarms indicating 357 ppm; no adverse health effects were reported. The flash identifies residual water and chemicals and broken pressure gauges, and emphasises evacuation, reporting and safe re-entry.
- 202425 Apr
Loss of control of powerboat Awesome with loss of 2 lives
MAIB investigates Awesome’s fatal loss of control near Little Thatch Island in the British Virgin Islands. A worn universal joint failed and the flailing drive shaft severed a hydraulic steering hose. The report examines lubrication, stepped-hull behaviour, seating, flotation devices, kill cords and rescue actions. Two occupants drowned; no recommendations were made.
- 20248 Apr
MODU Unlatched from Well
A moored semi-submersible drilling unit without dynamic positioning assist disconnected from its well and moved towards survival draft as storm conditions increased. Over three days, it lost four of eight mooring lines and drifted approximately 800 metres. Non-essential personnel were removed after the fourth line was lost.
- 202427 Mar
Loss of heading control on an FPU during diving operations
A floating production unit lost heading control during diving operations when a steering pump failed to start automatically during greasing. Only one thruster was available. Divers were recovered safely. The flash examines maintenance coordination, work permits, risk assessment and communication, and calls for changes to the company SIMOPS matrix.
- 202419 Feb
US BSEE: Confined space entry – tank cleaning
This safety flash summarises two tank-cleaning incidents requiring CPR, including unplanned entry while wearing an outside-use respirator. It reports rushing and non-compliance in the first case and a possible cardiac contribution in the second. BSEE recommends considering entry authorisation, task analysis, ventilation, communication, training and rescue arrangements where appropriate.
- 202412 Feb
US BSEE: Are your emergency procedures and equipment good enough?
This flash summarises BSEE inspection findings at offshore sites in the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting weaknesses in medical evacuation, emergency plans, supplies, drills and rescue equipment. Evacuation reports showed an average 6.8 hours to reach medical facilities. Recommendations address procedure updates, crew awareness and equipment inventory checks.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2024
A collection of marine accident accounts and preventive lessons spanning merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating. Cases examine steering and propulsion failures, mooring injuries, grounding, fire, flooding and capsize. Lessons address maintenance, navigation, risk assessment, equipment interfaces, watertight integrity and emergency evacuation, alongside reproduced safety bulletins and flyers.
- 202313 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert 477 - Hazards of Working in Confined Spaces
BSEE describes two tank-cleaning incidents requiring CPR: an unplanned entry to free a vacuum nozzle and illness followed by collapse during exit. The alert examines procedural lapses and rushing in the first case, and recommends operators consider entry planning, communication, ventilation, appropriate respiratory protection, rescue arrangements and current training.
- 202330 Nov
Yenkin-Majestic Resin Plant Vapor Cloud Explosion and Fire
Investigation of a fatal resin-plant explosion and fire following solvent vaporisation and release through an altered reactor manway. The report examines pressure-containment design, inadequate alteration assurance, agitator-dependent safeguards, alarm deficiencies and evacuation preparedness. Recommendations address low-pressure vessel guidance, safer process design and flame-resistant clothing.
- 202327 Nov
Case study: Saturation diver fatality due to hydrogen sulphide
This safety flash summarises a historical saturation-diving fatality during inspection of a leaking sour-crude pipeline in the Bombay High oilfield. Hydrogen sulphide in the bell caused collapse; the diver subsequently drowned. It discusses possible gas-entry routes, absent gas detection, bell-to-bell rescue and the potential use of ROVs for surveys.
- 202313 Nov
High potential near miss: Dropped Paraguard stretcher during drill
During a rescue drill in a crane pedestal, a 12 kg Paraguard stretcher fell approximately 50 m after the descending cable was connected to the dummy’s harness rather than the stretcher. Nobody was injured. Lessons address equipment-specific rescue planning, attachment arrangements, team familiarity and exclusion of personnel from the potential drop area.
- 20239 Nov
Flooding and partial sinking of an inflatable migrant boat with at least 27 lives lost
Investigation into an inflatable migrant boat’s flooding and partial sinking in the Dover Strait, with at least 27 deaths. Examines emergency-call reconciliation, coastguard staffing, cross-border coordination, helicopter and cutter searches, thermal detection limitations and forensic drift modelling. The initial water-ingress cause and exact casualty location remained undetermined.
- 202320 Oct
BSEE Identifies Medical Evacuation and Emergency Hazards During Risk-Based Inspections
BSEE inspections identified deficiencies in offshore medical evacuation arrangements, supplies, emergency plans and drills. Findings included inaccessible defibrillators, unsuitable Stokes litters, obstructed escape routes and helideck concerns. The alert recommends operators and contractors consider procedure reviews, supply checks, realistic drills and assessment of medical response times.
- 20233 Oct
Emergency Response – Version 3 October 2023
An offshore inspection guide for assessing dutyholder emergency arrangements and rating performance. It examines emergency planning, command, communications, muster, evacuation, escape and recovery, distinguishing escape provision from evacuation capacity. Detailed checks address survival-craft capacity, familiarisation, maintenance, emergency lighting and compatibility of protective equipment.
- 20238 Sep
Collision between cargo vessel Scot Carrier and split hopper barge Karin Høj with loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Scot Carrier’s collision with Karin Høj in the Baltic Sea, followed by the barge’s capsize, its master’s death and the mate’s presumed death. It examines distracted watchkeeping, alcohol consumption, absent lookouts, disabled navigation warnings, rescue delays and weaknesses in company oversight, while acknowledging uncertainty about the barge crew’s actions.
- 202324 Aug
Safety warning issued about servicing and certification after a liferaft failed to inflate during an emergency
MAIB reports liferaft servicing and certification deficiencies identified after Piedras foundered and its port liferaft failed to inflate correctly. Examination of the recovered starboard raft and further inspections revealed expired supplies and neglected components. The bulletin recommends urgent reinspection and servicing of affected DSB liferafts certified by Comfer Marin SL.
- 202317 Aug
Engine room fire on LPG carrier Moritz Schulte with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal engine-room fire aboard Moritz Schulte in Antwerp. Pressurised marine gas oil escaped during inadequately isolated fuel-filter cleaning and ignited on an adjacent engine’s hot exhaust. The report examines maintenance arrangements, competence assurance, escape equipment and rescue coordination, including thermal imaging. No recommendations were made following actions already taken.
- 202329 Jun
Person overboard from stern trawler Copious with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard from Copious during a trawl-gear repair on the aft bulwark. It examines inadequate risk assessment, cold-water incapacitation, incorrect lifejacket fit and unsuccessful recovery. Analysis highlights limitations of the Markusnet arrangements and drills for unconscious casualties, alongside subsequent owner actions and regulatory recommendations.
- 202322 Jun
Person overboard from creel fishing vessel Harriet J with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines the fatal overboard accident involving Harriet J’s lone skipper off south-east Scotland. He probably became caught in a chain weight while deploying creels. The report analyses deck segregation, inability to reboard, unworn flotation and locator equipment, cold incapacitation, rescue efforts and dissemination of guidance for lone-operated fishing vessels.
- 202315 Jun
Wacker Polysilicon Chemical Release
This investigation examines a hydrogen chloride release during heat-exchanger maintenance at Wacker Polysilicon. Excessive bolt torque fractured a graphite nozzle; three workers fell while escaping, with one fatality. The report analyses maintenance instructions, hazardous-energy control, simultaneous insulation work and restricted egress, recommending clearer procedures, coordinated operations and additional escape routes.
- 202327 Mar
Life raft secured incorrectly on cradle
An onshore vessel visit identified a life raft painter rope attached to its cradle rather than the hydrostatic release unit’s weak link. Installation had not been checked, and visual inspection addressed condition rather than correct securing. Post-installation checks and weekly life-raft inspections were added to planned maintenance.
- 202327 Mar
Serious LTI – Crew member slipped on deck breaking his leg
An engineer fractured his right fibula after slipping on a greasy deck while handling a bunker hose. Spiral access prevented stretcher evacuation. The flash examines surface contamination, hose drainage and absent manual handling assessment, recommending conditional hose capping, non-slip coatings, handling assessments and consideration of rescue drills for restricted-access areas.
- 202321 Feb
Extreme Caution Advised During Swing Rope Transfers
This alert reviews offshore swing-rope transfer incidents involving a fractured foot, a shin laceration and a fall into water without injury. BSEE recommends transfer-specific risk assessments, competence assurance and recovery capability checks, alongside verification of transfer systems and locator beacons. Alternative transfer methods, including gangways or elevated structures, are recommended for consideration.
- 202311 Jan
Blocked emergency exit hatch
A routine vessel inspection revealed an engine-room escape hatch obstructed by wire ropes left during contractor spooling work for anchor handling preparations. The obstruction was promptly corrected. Lessons emphasise keeping escape routes clear, improving oversight of third-party work and conducting regular cross-departmental safety walk-arounds.
- 2023
CHIRP Fisher Feedback Autumn 2023
CHIRP’s first commercial fishing newsletter examines pot-line propeller fouling, a conveyor fingertip injury, a lone fisher falling overboard, failed trawl hoisting, a ferry collision and recovered unexploded ordnance. Case commentary discusses maintenance isolation, work communication, wire-rope inspection, harbour navigation and personal emergency signalling and self-rescue arrangements.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 72 (Autumn 2023)
This maritime digest examines an averted mooring-line failure, a lithium-ion battery cargo fire, contractor fatigue, a diver’s propeller injury, tanker engine-control difficulties and a fisher’s overboard rescue. It discusses mooring design, dangerous-goods packing, rest arrangements, diver visibility, emergency teamwork and personal rescue equipment, alongside two improper cargo-stowage reports.
- 2023
CHIRP Ports and Harbours Feedback summer 2023
This inaugural ports and harbours digest analyses five reports involving a quayside ladder fall, failed moorings and collisions, ferry traffic conflict, a trapped mooring launch and container-ship grounding. Commentary examines safe access, casualty recovery, bollard capacity, wind loading, navigation aids and communication between port authorities, pilots and vessel crews.
- 2023
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2023
This marine accident digest examines merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating casualties. Cases address navigation, machinery maintenance, lifting, fires and people overboard. Lessons emphasise clear control indications, practical recovery drills, effective firefighting arrangements and implementation of risk assessments, with reproduced fishing safety flyers discussing personal distress beacons.
- 202216 Dec
Persons overboard from prawn trawler Reul A Chuain with loss of 1 life
Investigates two falls overboard from the prawn trawler Reul A Chuain in the Sound of Rùm, resulting in the skipper’s death. Examines unsecured net stowage, manual recovery in heavy weather, absent restraint arrangements, flotation device use, cold-water survival and improvised winch recovery. Identified risk controls and practical emergency drills had not been implemented.
- 202213 Dec
MAIB: Worker falls between vessel and quay
A shore worker used a stowed gangway despite crew instructions to wait for alternative access as the tide fell. He slipped and fell over 8 m into the sea, sustaining significant injuries. The flash describes his rescue and stresses safe access arrangements and compliance with instructions to visitors.
- 20228 Dec
Commercial stand up paddleboarding accident on river weir with loss of 4 lives
Investigation of a commercial stand up paddleboarding tour in which four people died after becoming trapped in hydraulic towback at Haverfordwest Town Weir. The report examines river conditions, tour preparation, leadership qualifications, participant briefings, flotation and leash arrangements, alongside weir risk assessment, warning signs and rescue measures.
- 202223 Nov
MAIB: Flooding and sinking of the survey workboat Bella
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on Bella’s sinking during hydrographic surveying near Lynmouth. Survey equipment modifications reduced forward freeboard, while inadequate buoyancy allowed swamping to overwhelm the boat. It highlights certification and safety-management shortcomings, alongside the crew’s successful abandonment using personal flotation devices and a life raft.
- 202226 Sep
MAIB: Capsize and sinking of fishing vessel Joanna C – vessel stability
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on Joanna C’s fatal capsize while recovering scallop dredges snagged on a potting line. Through-life modifications had reduced stability, with assessment left unfinished. It also examines the liferaft’s failure to inflate and highlights stability implications of modifications and float-free lifesaving arrangements.
- 202222 Sep
Capsize of single-handed creel fishing vessel Goodway with loss of 1 life
Investigation into Goodway’s unwitnessed capsize near Cairnbulg and the presumed loss of its lone owner. The report identifies freeing snagged creels using engine power as the most likely sequence, examines cold-water survival and reboarding arrangements, and explains why the purchased AIS/DSC personal locator beacon was unsuitable as an EPIRB alternative.
- 20222 Sep
Flooding and sinking of survey workboat Bella
Investigation into Bella’s flooding and sinking during hydrographic surveying near Lynmouth. Survey equipment modifications reduced forward freeboard, while inadequate buoyancy and non-watertight openings allowed progressive flooding. The report examines deficient commercial certification and safety management, records the crew’s safe abandonment and rescue, and recommends improved certification guidance and vessel safety management.
- 20224 Jul
BSEE/USCG: Dealing with extreme weather events
This flash summarises joint BSEE/USCG findings on a drillship’s unsuccessful escape from Hurricane Ida in the Gulf of Mexico. Delayed temporary abandonment and riser retrieval problems preceded loss of riser equipment and fluid pollution. Recommendations address timely weather decisions, contingency planning, mass evacuation arrangements and training gaps.
- 202222 Jun
Capsize and sinking of scallop dredger Joanna C with loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Joanna C’s fatal capsize south of Newhaven during scallop dredge recovery. It examines stability degraded by modifications, unfinished inclining-experiment analysis and regulatory oversight. Liferaft buoyancy and inflation-force testing explains failed automatic inflation, while survival analysis addresses flotation loss, delayed beacon activation and escape from the sinking vessel.
- 202222 Jun
Capsize and sinking of whelk potter Nicola Faith with loss of 3 lives
Investigation of Nicola Faith’s fatal capsize in Colwyn Bay examines vessel modifications, combined catch and pot loading, and survival arrangements. Stability testing and modelling underpin the conclusion that loading almost certainly caused sudden instability. The report also assesses regulatory gaps, mandatory training, emergency beacons and personal flotation.
- 202216 Jun
Person overboard from single-handed creel fishing vessel Saint Peter with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal overboard accident involving Saint Peter’s lone skipper during creel shooting near Torness Point. Probable rope entanglement, cold-water shock and inability to reboard are examined. The report analyses deck separation, flotation, boarding arrangements and distress signalling, finding that the inflated flotation device prevented drowning but did not ensure survival.
- 202216 May
BSEE and USCG Identify Delayed T-Time Execution, Poor Operational Decisions, and Equipment Breakdowns as Contributors to a Drillship’s Unsuccessful Attempt to Avoid Hurricane Ida
Joint BSEE and USCG alert examines a drillship’s failed attempt to evade Hurricane Ida. Delayed temporary abandonment, operational decisions and equipment breakdowns hindered departure and riser recovery. The vessel lost riser joints and its lower marine riser package. Recommendations address realistic T-time calculations, extreme-weather contingencies, evacuation planning and consistent procedures.
- 20221 Apr
American P&I Club: Fire Started from cutting torch work
A cargo-hold fire occurred during oxy-acetylene cutting on a vessel in port. Sparks and molten slag passed through pontoon gaps and ignited plastic cargo covering; slag also burnt through a fire blanket. The flash highlights location-specific hot work permits, vigilant fire watches and effective shielding of nearby cargo.