Control
Flood Containment and Watertight Integrity
Watertight closures, subdivision and arrangements to prevent or limit vessel flooding.
Newest 100 Documents
All 156 in search- 20262 Apr
Foundering of the fishing vessel Freedom II (CN 111)
Investigation of Freedom II’s foundering off western Scotland identifies suction-pipe fatigue failure as the most likely flooding source. It examines overwhelmed and unavailable pumps, progressive flooding, seawater isolation, emergency preparedness and delayed distress alerting. All crew were recovered uninjured; actions already taken led to no new recommendations.
- 202624 Mar
MAIB: Sinking of tug Biter with loss of two lives
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.
- 202612 Feb
Girting and capsize of tug Biter with the loss of two lives while assisting passenger vessel Hebridean Princess
Investigation of Biter’s fatal girting and capsize while assisting Hebridean Princess on the River Clyde. It examines towing speed, bridle loading, gob-rope securing, watertight integrity, operational exchanges and training. The precise reason for gob-rope rendering remained unresolved; post-salvage testing found the towing-hook release mechanism functional.
- 202629 Jan
Flooding and foundering of stern trawler Opportune (LK 209)
Investigation of Opportune’s foundering east of Lerwick following uncontrolled engine-room flooding. Seawater pipework failure was considered the most likely cause, but remained unconfirmed. The report examines pipework inspection, inaccessible sea inlet valves, lack of remote bilge-pump operation and flood preparedness. All eight crew were rescued uninjured from liferafts.
- 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.
- 20257 Nov
Hull crack arising from vibration
An aluminium vessel continued operating despite propeller vibration, later developing a skeg crack and water ingress into the steering room. Crew fitted a cement box, and management required repairs. The flash highlights aluminium’s susceptibility to repetitive stress and urges investigation of changed or increased vibration.
- 20257 Nov
Watertight door and emergency hatch found open at sea
An offshore audit found engine-room watertight doors and an emergency hatch open at sea, compromising protection against flooding. The flash discusses possible heat-related shortcuts and gaps in crew awareness of closure requirements. It calls for closed barriers at sea, regular training refreshers and proper ventilation rather than opening safety closures.
- 20254 Sep
MSF: Watertight door fatality
Reports a fatality involving an individual found between a sliding hydraulic watertight door and its frame at a marine worksite. Causes remained under investigation. The flash explains watertight door functions and operating arrangements, and prompts crews to reflect on equipment risks and the adequacy of safeguards.
- 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.
- 202417 Oct
Capsize of recreational craft Wheelyboat 123 with the loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Wheelyboat 123’s fatal capsize on Roadford Lake examines bow-ramp leakage, accumulated deck water, loading and wheelchair movement. It assesses maintenance, driver training, risk assessments and unsuitable flotation provision. Physical flotation tests, numerical stability modelling and computational fluid dynamics inform recommendations for safer operation of craft carrying wheelchair users.
- 202410 Oct
Safety warning issued following the foundering of fishing vessel Argos Georgia with the loss of 13 lives
This safety bulletin presents initial findings from the foundering of Argos Georgia, with 13 lives lost. Its side shell door opened and could not be closed; open internal doors allowed further flooding. Fishing-vessel owners, operators and skippers are urged to assess shell-door risks, implement mitigations and inform crews.
- 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.
- 202431 Jul
Side scuttle (porthole) knocked out by wave impact
A wave dislodged a cabin porthole on a platform supply vessel in heavy seas, propelling components across the cabin and admitting water. Metallurgical investigation attributed failure to poorly manufactured, overtightened screws. Actions included scuttle inspections and overhaul, revised deadlight procedures and signage discouraging overtightening.
- 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.
- 2024May
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 6 (Summer 2024)
This superyacht incident digest examines watertight door failures, a starting battery explosion, a galley fire, unprotected window cleaning and steering loss. Commentary addresses alarm visibility, towing checks, battery maintenance, heat lamp safeguards, crew numbers and the independence of the designated person ashore.
- 202416 Apr
A reminder on watertight doors
A safety walkaround found watertight doors open when they should have been secured. Reviews on other fleet vessels identified routine shortcuts and gaps in crew awareness. The flash explains flood containment, reiterates SOLAS and company closure requirements, and asks how safe working could be made easier.
- 202419 Mar
High potential: sea water inlet pipe leakage in engine room
A vessel crew discovered seawater leakage from corroded air-conditioning condenser pipework near the hull while offshore. A cement box contained the leak before emergency dry-docking for repairs. The flash identifies missing documented condition checks and recommends regular inspection of ship-side valves and piping within planned maintenance.
- 202427 Feb
LTI: Damage and personal injury arising from heavy weather
A rogue wave forced open a vessel’s weathertight crane-pedestal door. While attempting to close it, a crew member was struck by incoming water and washed down two flights of stairs, sustaining serious injuries. The flash examines door orientation, coordinated medical care and recommendations to reposition the door and maintain weather awareness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2022Sep
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 68 (September 2022)
Maritime incident digest examining unsafe work aloft, a timber-cargo overboard casualty, fatal crane-access falls, engine maintenance, navigation errors, tug capsizing and flooding, hot-fuel burns and an eye injury. Commentary addresses continuous harness connection, rescue planning, towage competence, watertight closures, maintenance programmes and accountability during permitted work.
- 202220 Jun
NTSB: watertight doors – vessel sank after flooding
This safety flash summarises NTSB findings on a towing vessel that flooded and sank. Unsecured or open aft deck hatches were the probable cause, with progressive flooding through bulkhead openings. Ineffective hull inspection and maintenance contributed. Lessons emphasise regular hull oversight, watertight integrity and permanent corrosion repairs.
- 202222 Mar
MAIB: Flooding, capsize and foundering of small vessel after issues with towing wires
This flash summarises a fishing boat loss involving hull damage from trawl doors while uncrossing towing wires, unnoticed flooding and capsize. It examines absent watertight subdivision, unheard bilge alarms and abandonment to a life raft. Lessons address reassessing changed operations, checking unattended spaces, wearing lifejackets and using emergency equipment.
- 202211 Mar
Get it fixed!! Deteriorated seals on emergency hatch
A vessel inspection during five-yearly docking identified deteriorated hatch seals, presenting a potential risk of seawater leakage into the engine room. Crew had previously recognised the condition and received replacement seals but deferred fitting them until docking. The flash highlights poor risk perception and urges timely action on identified defects.
- 20229 Feb
Flooding, capsize and sinking of prawn trawler Diamond D
Investigation of Diamond D’s flooding, capsize and sinking near Tynemouth on 16 August 2020. Hull damage from trawl doors was considered almost certain. The report examines crossed towing wires, reduced manning, unnoticed bilge alarms, pumping limitations and absent watertight subdivision, alongside liferaft abandonment and the successful rescue of both crew.
- 202220 Jan
Subsea explosion resulting in damage to crab potting vessel Galwad-Y-Mor and injuries to crew
Investigation of a seabed bomb explosion during crab-pot recovery by Galwad-Y-Mor, causing vessel damage, flooding and significant crew injuries. The report assesses potting-gear disturbance of likely wartime ordnance, fragment examination and explosive traces, alongside watertight subdivision, crew preparedness, rescue and casualty triage.
- 202128 Oct
NTSB: The sinking of the El Faro – an illustrated digest
This safety flash summarises an NTSB illustrated digest on El Faro’s fatal sinking during a hurricane in 2015. It highlights command decisions, outdated weather information, ineffective bridge resource management, flooding and propulsion loss, alongside recommendations addressing training, watertight integrity, machinery capability and lifeboat arrangements.
- 202131 Aug
What are audits for? Some eCMID findings
This safety flash reviews findings from 769 eCMID vessel inspections over the 12 months to April 2021. It highlights shortcomings in confined-space entry arrangements, chemical handling procedures, firefighting equipment, watertight closures, navigation equipment, engine-room practices and lifting-equipment management, alongside links to related incidents.
- 202112 Jul
Incidents relating to hatches and doors
Three cases concern a wired-open engine-room fire door, a watertight door left open at sea, and unprotected open wharf hatches. The flash explains the protective purposes of closed doors and reports crew intervention leading to hatch closure and locking, illustrating stop-work authority beyond the vessel.
- 20218 Apr
Flooding and sinking of trawler Ocean Quest
Investigation of Ocean Quest’s loss following uncontrolled engine-room flooding. The source remained undetermined, but shell plating or weld failure beneath the main engine was considered almost certain. Analysis examines hull survey limitations, reduced bilge-pump effectiveness with partly open sea suctions, unusable borrowed pumps and successful crew abandonment following regular drills.
- 202010 Jan
Water ingress during tropical storm
Rainwater entered a vessel’s upper tween deck through an improperly secured stores hatch during a tropical storm. Deformed hinges impaired hatch seating and clamp operation. Crew contained the ingress by listing the vessel, although some water reached accommodation. Actions addressed hatch securing, regular checks and preventive maintenance.
- 201912 Aug
Seawater entering cabin caused electrical fault
A passenger cabin porthole left slightly open during vessel operations admitted seawater into an electrical socket, causing a short circuit, burnt wiring and smoke. Responders isolated the supply. The flash highlights vessel induction, watertight integrity inspections when leaving port and a safety discussion involving passengers and crew.
- 201924 Apr
Capsize of fishing vessel Laura Jane with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Laura Jane’s fatal capsize in Plymouth Sound. Fishing-gear loading submerged freeing ports, allowing water to accumulate aft and destabilise the vessel. The report examines freeboard, roll and heel testing, inspection shortcomings, stability training and the delayed extraction of the skipper from the wheelhouse.
- 201823 May
Flooding and sinking of stern trawler Ocean Way
Investigation of Ocean Way’s foundering near Lerwick following flooding almost certainly caused by a trawl door striking the hull. It examines inaccessible damage, inadequate aft-compartment drainage, blocked pump strainers, watertight integrity and emergency preparedness. Escape-hatch submergence caused overwhelming downflooding; everyone who entered the water was rescued.
- 201719 Jul
Girting and capsize of tug Domingue while assisting container ship CMA CGM Simba with loss of 2 lives
This MAIB investigation examines Domingue’s fatal capsize while assisting CMA CGM Simba’s departure from Tulear. It analyses ship movements, tug capability, missing gog rope and emergency tow release, and communication and monitoring failures. Open closures probably contributed through downflooding. The report records fleet actions and makes no recommendations.
- 20179 Jun
Engine room emergency hatch damage
An AHTS vessel’s towing line caught an open engine-room emergency hatch during barge towing. The hatch had been left open because of inadequate ventilation. The flash identifies missed watertight-opening inspections, unreported ventilation problems and smaller replacement stern fenders, and recommends repairs, reinstatement of original fenders and crew training.
- 201725 May
Grounding of passenger vessel Royal Iris of the Mersey
The investigation examines a passenger ferry grounding on a submerged derelict dolphin near Eastham locks. Visual navigation, attention to a departing dredger and a changed approach reduced the safety margin. It reviews position monitoring, chart inaccuracies that did not contribute, effective flood containment and passenger evacuation, and subsequent navigational improvements.
- 201728 Mar
MAIB: Two recent vessel collisions
This safety flash summarises two MAIB collision investigations. Daroja and Erin Wood highlight inadequate lookout, lone watch-keeping risk and unsecured watertight doors. City of Rotterdam and Primula Seaways illustrate pilot disorientation associated with an off-axis bridge window, late master intervention, insufficiently robust challenges and inadequate speed reduction.
- 201622 Dec
Collision between general cargo vessel Daroja and oil bunker barge Erin Wood
Investigation of the collision between Daroja and Erin Wood south-east of Peterhead on 29 August 2015. It examines absent lookouts, lone watchkeeping, unused navigational aids, crew competence and safety-management shortcomings. Collision damage and open weathertight doors caused flooding; the report also analyses emergency pumping, fuel leakage and regulatory oversight.
- 201616 Nov
Grounding and capsize of berthed trawler Saint Christophe 1 resulting in loss of the vessel
This investigation examines two French trawlers grounding at Dartmouth while sheltering from bad weather. Saint Christophe 1 capsized and flooded; Sagittaire’s crew arrested its list with chains. Findings address the sloping berth, misunderstood warnings, deficient watertight closures, missing harbour charts and ineffective implementation of port risk controls.
- 201627 Jul
Flooding and sinking of wooden potter Majestic
Investigation of Majestic’s flooding and sinking off Shetland on 21 January 2016. The precise ingress source remained unknown, but seawater-system failure was considered probable. Analysis examines unheard wheelhouse bilge alarms, unused pumping capacity, emergency drills and lifejacket use. Both crew abandoned into a liferaft and were rescued without injury.
- 201630 Jun
Grounding and flooding of scallop dredger St Apollo
Investigation of St Apollo’s grounding in the Sound of Mull and subsequent flooding during a falling tide. The report examines position monitoring, autopilot heading inputs, watchkeeper competence and alertness, abandonment and watertight closures. The reported loss of heading control remained unresolved; the vessel was salvaged but declared a constructive total loss.
- 201612 May
Girting and capsize of mooring launch Asterix
Investigation of Asterix’s girting and capsize during harbour towage at Fawley Marine Terminal. It examines towline geometry, gog-rope arrangements, unsuccessful manual towing-hook release and subsequent flooding. Findings address operational communication, crew training, control layout, release testing and watertight closures; both crew members survived following rescue.
- 20168 Mar
Capsize and sinking of twin-rig prawn trawler Kairos
Investigation of Kairos’s capsize and sinking while recovering a lost prawn trawl in very rough seas west of the Isles of Scilly. Computer-based stability analysis examines creeper-wire loading, deck swamping and probable downflooding through vents. The report also considers skipper decision-making, abandonment and the successful recovery of all five crew.
- 20168 Mar
Collision between stern trawlers Good Intent and Silver Dee resulting in Silver Dee sinking
Investigation of an Irish Sea collision between wooden stern trawlers Silver Dee and Good Intent. Ineffective lookout and probable watchkeeper fatigue contributed to the accident. Silver Dee flooded rapidly without watertight subdivision and sank after its crew transferred safely. The report examines navigation practices, abandonment and construction standards, recommending improved watchkeeping.
- 201624 Feb
Slip/trip resulting in lost time injury (LTI)
A chief engineer slipped on a raised vessel deck during heavy weather and struck an open watertight door, fracturing his right arm. The flash examines deficient non-skid protection, misunderstood or disregarded deck-access instructions and unverified door closures. Lessons emphasise safety briefings, warning signs, watertight integrity and stopping unsafe work.
- 201510 Dec
Capsize and sinking of stern trawler Stella Maris
Investigation of Stella Maris’s capsize and sinking east of Sunderland examines insufficient stability during cod-end lifting, a high gantry and excessive winch power. It evaluates modification oversight, flooding, liferaft arrangements and distress alerting, comparing simplified stability methods with a sister-vessel inclining assessment. Both crew were rescued uninjured.
- 201523 Nov
An error with fire flaps led to engine space flooding, causing costly damage
A crew transfer vessel suffered engine-space flooding after an incorrectly positioned retaining pin allowed a fire flap to close in moderate seas. Engine suction loosened a toilet overboard pipe. Bilge pump failures complicated containment, and seawater damage required substantial engine repairs and off-hire time. No injuries or risk to life were reported.
- 20156 Aug
Grounding and flooding of ro-ro ferry Commodore Clipper
Investigation of Commodore Clipper’s grounding near Guernsey examines inadequate passage planning, tidal effects, squat and survey uncertainty. It analyses ineffective ECDIS settings and alarms, bridge-team working, delayed damage assessment and shortcomings in pilotage safety management. Hull breaches caused flooding contained within double-bottom spaces; no injuries or pollution were reported.
- 201524 Jun
Flooding and abandonment of general cargo ship Sea Breeze
This investigation examines Sea Breeze’s flooding during ballast-pump removal and subsequent abandonment. An incompletely closed isolation valve allowed seawater into the engine room. The report analyses worn actuator gearing, missing maintenance and work controls, ineffective emergency preparedness, and an open watertight door that allowed flooding to spread into accommodation.
- 201517 Jun
Collision between passenger vessel Millennium Time and motor tug Redoubt
Investigation of a Thames collision involving Millennium Time, Redoubt and towed barges, leaving nine passengers with minor injuries. Analysis examines steering responsiveness, absent rudder indication, helm competence, supervision and possible hydrodynamic interaction. It also addresses evacuation readiness, watertight-integrity checks and inaccurate passenger reporting, with steering trials informing subsequent improvements.
- 201529 Apr
Keel detachment and capsize of sailing yacht Cheeki Rafiki with loss of 4 lives
Investigation of Cheeki Rafiki’s keel detachment and capsize during an Atlantic passage, after which four crew remained missing. It examines bonded hull–matrix integrity, grounding inspections, certification, passage planning, flooding response, beacon performance and liferaft accessibility. The report explicitly acknowledges uncertainty about the accident’s causes.
- 201511 Feb
Contact made by scallop dredger Diamond with rock resulting in vessel sinking with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Diamond’s grounding and rapid sinking in West Burra Firth, Shetland, with one crewman dying. It examines navigation outside the safe channel, hull damage and non-watertight subdivision, drug-related impairment, survival equipment and missing sea survival training. A dive survey documented damage; no recommendations were made.
- 2014Dec
Sinking/abandonment of DUKW amphibious passenger vehicle Wacker Quacker 1 and fire/abandonment of DUKW Cleopatra
Investigates Wacker Quacker 1’s sinking in Liverpool and Cleopatra’s fire on the River Thames in 2013. Examines propeller fouling, corroded hull plating, buoyancy foam installation and probable ignition at an overheating universal joint. Practical flooding trials and laboratory examinations inform findings on damaged survivability, regulatory oversight and passenger abandonment.
- 2014Oct
Contact by stern trawler Shalimar with quay and subsequent sinking of vessel
Shalimar struck a quay while shifting berths at Scrabster after its gearbox control cable mounting detached. The investigation examines cable securing, engine stopping arrangements, pumping capacity and non-watertight bulkheads. Rapid flooding led to foundering; all crew escaped uninjured. Liferaft and beacon release limitations in shallow water are also analysed.
- 2014Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2014
A collection of marine accident accounts and preventive lessons covering merchant vessels, fishing boats and small craft. Cases examine groundings, collisions, fires, flooding, mooring injuries and rescue difficulties. Discussions address navigation equipment, watchkeeping fatigue, crew coordination, emergency drills and equipment readiness, with an appended bulletin on oxygen depletion and unsafe rescue attempts.
- 2014Aug
Capsize and sinking of beam trawler Sally Jane
Investigation of Sally Jane’s capsize and sinking in Christchurch Bay while beam trawling. Probable unequal net loading and derrick geometry contributed to stability loss; unsecured hatches accelerated flooding. The report examines stability information, winch operation, liferaft escape and beacon failure. Both crew members survived with mild hypothermia; no recommendations were issued.
- 2014May
MAIB Safety Digest 2014 — Fishing edition
A fishing-focused collection of accident accounts and practical lessons covering overboard emergencies, entanglement, flooding, stability, navigation and equipment integrity. Cases examine trawl wires, winches, enclosed-space pump exhaust and vessel alarms, alongside recovery arrangements, flotation equipment, inspection, fire drills and first-aid training.
- 2014Apr
Grounding and sinking of large private motor yacht Isamar
This simplified investigation examines Isamar’s grounding off Corsica and subsequent sinking. It identifies reliance on outdated electronic charts at an unsuitable scale and the absence of appropriate passage planning. Unclosed watertight openings and ineffective pumping accelerated flooding; passengers and crew abandoned the yacht without injury.
- 201413 Mar
Watertight doors left open at sea
This safety flash reports repeated inspection findings of designated watertight doors routinely left open on a member’s vessel. It explains the associated progressive flooding and stability risks, outlines relevant maritime requirements, and encourages vessel management teams to raise personnel awareness and ensure doors remain closed.
- 2014Jan
Flooding and sinking of under 12m fishing vessel Speedwell with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Speedwell’s fatal foundering in the Firth of Lorn on 25 April 2013. The report identifies probable down-flooding through an unsecured, unsealed aft hatch, defective bilge arrangements and difficulties of single-handed operation. It examines delayed distress notification, unused lifesaving equipment, regulatory compliance and the owner’s and skipper’s approach to safety.
- 2013Dec
Flooding incidents on twin rigged stern trawler Audacious and beam trawler Chloe T resulting in both vessels sinking
Combined investigation into the flooding and sinking of Audacious and Chloe T in 2012. Although precise causes remained unknown, seawater cooling pipework failure was considered likely. The report examines corrosion, survey records, bilge alarms, valve accessibility, pumping capacity, watertight closures, stability and contrasting crew abandonment responses.
- 2013Nov
Contact made by passenger/ro-ro cargo ferry Finnarrow with berth and its subsequent flooding
Finnarrow’s deployed port fin stabiliser struck a berth at Holyhead, puncturing the hull and flooding the pump room. The investigation examines ineffective arrival checks, stabiliser indications, possible fatigue and inadequate crew familiarisation. It analyses bilge pumping and damage control, recommending stronger arrival procedures and regular flooding drills.
- 2013Jun
Capsize and sinking of multipurpose fishing vessel Sarah Jayne with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Sarah Jayne’s fatal capsize east of Berry Head during sprat trawling. With approximately 20 tonnes of catch aboard, insufficient stability reserve left the vessel vulnerable to sudden flooding and free-surface effects. The report examines loading limits, vessel modifications, deck openings, drainage, stability guidance and failures of survival arrangements.
- 2013Jun
Sinking of small passenger ferry Vixen
Investigation into Vixen’s foundering at Ardlui Marina on Loch Lomond examines a defective weed hatch, reduced freeboard, altered bilge pumping and a disabled flooding alarm. It identifies shortcomings in passenger capacity, lifejacket provision, maintenance and regulatory oversight, and recommends licensing and competent surveys. No injuries or pollution were reported.
- 2013May
Flooding and sinking of potter Purbeck Isle with loss of 3 lives
Investigation into the loss of the commercial whelk potter Purbeck Isle and her three crew. Rapid flooding following hull-fastening failure was considered the most likely sinking mechanism. The report examines deteriorated hull condition, loading, bilge pumping, failed liferaft deployment, absent automatic distress signalling and shortcomings in inspection arrangements.
- 2013Feb
Capsize of multipurpose fishing vessel Betty G while beam trawling
Investigates Betty G’s capsize during beam trawling in Lyme Bay on 23 July 2012. Sudden release of the starboard net load created an imbalance, followed by flooding and foundering. Examines winch clutches, stability checks, emergency gear release, liferaft survival and distress alerting, and recommends risk assessment and emergency drills.
- 2012Jul
Parting of fall wire during a rescue boat drill on car carrier Tombarra with loss of 1 life
Part B examines concealed water retention and weight growth in Tombarra’s rescue boat following a fatal drill casualty at Royal Portbury Docks. It analyses buoyancy foam quality, hull drainage, weighing and davit capacity, with comparisons from other boats. Excess weight did not contribute substantially to this fall-wire failure.
- 2012May
Collision between tug Chiefton and its tow resulting in tug capsizing and sinking with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Chiefton’s fatal collision with its barge tow at Greenwich Reach on the River Thames. It examines combined push/pull towage, short ropes, limited reserve power, situational awareness and whole-passage planning. Analysis also addresses watertight closures, the emergency towing-hook release and lifejacket use following the capsize and sinking.
- 20124 Apr
Watertight doors and hatches routinely left open at sea
This IMCA safety flash relays NOPSEMA’s report of several instances in which designated watertight doors were routinely left open despite being required to remain closed at sea. It directs readers to NOPSEMA Safety Alert 51 for further information, without providing individual incident details.
- 20123 Jan
Watertight doors and hatches kept open at sea
NOPSEMA reports inspection findings of watertight doors and hatches left open on vessels operating as offshore facilities. The alert explains the implications for watertight integrity and intact and damage stability, clarifies what constitutes being at sea, and reminds operators of compliance, safety-case commitments and personnel responsibilities.
- 2011Jun
Grounding of stern prawn trawler Karen
Investigates Karen’s grounding at Ardglass Harbour and subsequent flooding, crew rescue and refloating. The report identifies inadequate lookout and passage monitoring, with the wheelhouse probably unattended for part of the approach. It examines navigation practices, missing safety qualifications, deficient risk assessments, watch alarms and the effectiveness of post-grounding actions.
- 2010Oct
Grounding and subsequent sinking of crabber Kerloch
Investigation of Kerloch’s grounding at Crow Rock off Wales and subsequent sinking after the skipper fell asleep. Examines fatigue, passage planning, ineffective watch alarms, emergency equipment and drills, watertight subdivision, and Jersey regulatory oversight. All four crew were rescued; no injuries or pollution were reported.
- 2010May
MAIB Safety Digest 2010 — Fishing edition
This fishing safety digest examines separate casualties involving grounding, flooding, fire, capsize and crew overboard, alongside fatigue and gear-handling injuries. Lessons address navigation, watertight integrity, emergency drills, lifejacket servicing and safe winch arrangements. Cases distinguish uncertain flooding origins and alternative fire causes from established equipment deficiencies.
- 2009Aug
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2009
A collection of preventive lessons from merchant-vessel, fishing and small-craft accidents. Cases examine collisions, fires, flooding, capsizing and people overboard, alongside navigation, towing and maintenance. Lessons address vessel-specific risk assessment, bridge teamwork, electrical isolation, watertight-door operation, lifejacket use and correct preparation of survival equipment.
- 2008Dec
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2008
A collection of merchant, fishing and leisure-vessel accidents examines navigation, towing, machinery failures, fires, flooding and drowning. Lessons address bridge controls, equipment testing, communication, watertight integrity and properly worn lifejackets. A reproduced safety bulletin highlights fatal enclosed-space entry and oxygen depletion.
- 2007May
MAIB Safety Digest 2007 — Fishing edition
This fishing safety digest presents lessons from multiple casualties involving flooding, capsize, structural deterioration, collisions, grounding, fire and people falling overboard. Case analyses examine vessel modifications, catch loading, drainage, navigation and emergency arrangements, emphasising bilge alarms, watertight integrity, liferaft servicing, risk reassessment and lifejacket use.
- 2006Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2006
This digest examines accidents involving merchant ships, fishing vessels and leisure craft. Cases address cargo shift, grounding, flooding, fire, fatigue, lifting injuries and lifeboat release testing. Preventive lessons discuss passage planning, watertight integrity, emergency equipment, maintenance, risk assessment and crew preparedness, while retaining uncertainty where causes remain unresolved.
- 200515 Dec
Safety Alert 235 - Multiple Cable Transit Failures
This alert reports preliminary findings on failed multiple cable transits at Thunder Horse following Hurricane Dennis. Water moved between access spaces through the transits, with failures in blank-block sections. The original influx and listing cause remained undetermined. MMS recommends checking installation and pressure ratings pending verified investigation findings.
- 2005Dec
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2005
This marine accident digest draws lessons from merchant, fishing and leisure vessel cases involving grounding, fire, flooding, instability and lifting failures. It examines passage planning, equipment maintenance, cargo handling and emergency actions, including CO2 suppression limitations, watertight closures, lifeboat brake failure and navigation aids. Accounts remain provisional pending further evidence.
- 2005Aug
Sinking of under 15m vessels: prawn trawler Kathryn Jane, potter Emerald Dawn and prawn trawler Jann Denise II with loss of 5 lives
Combined investigation of the losses of Kathryn Jane, Emerald Dawn and Jann Denise II, all fishing vessels under 15 metres. It examines flooding, structural condition, stability, bilge alarms and survival arrangements, retaining uncertainty about individual loss mechanisms. Wreck surveys and testing inform recommendations on inspection, regulatory oversight and safety training.
- 2005May
MAIB Safety Digest 2005 — Fishing edition
This fishing safety digest presents accident narratives and preventive lessons on vessel alterations, stability, flooding, fires, collisions and crew injuries. Cases examine bilge alarms, pumping, watertight subdivision, winch controls and watchkeeping. Lessons also address emergency preparedness, accessible lifesaving equipment, electrical installation and risk assessment around open hatches.
- 2004Nov
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2004
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant, fishing and leisure vessels, covering navigation failures, groundings, collisions, flooding, fires and people lost overboard. Case discussions examine chart plotters, rescue craft, lifejackets and maintenance, with recommendations on risk assessment, bridge teamwork, watertight subdivision, hatch guarding and liferaft release arrangements.
- 2004May
MAIB Safety Digest 2004 — Fishing edition
A collection of fishing-vessel accident lessons examines flooding, stability, drowning, navigation failures, lifting-gear hazards and fire. Cases discuss inflatable lifejacket reliability, snatch-block operation, bilge alarms and watertight subdivision. Recommendations address crew involvement in risk assessment, equipment checks, lookout arrangements and emergency preparedness, while retaining uncertainties in individual accident findings.
- 20041 Mar
Open porthole
An accommodation cabin flooded through an open porthole while a vessel sailed in 6–8 ft swell and 35-knot wind. The duty seaman disconnected cabin power and closed the porthole. The flash highlights non-compliance with sailing procedures and reiterates the master’s responsibility for safety instructions and compliance checks.
- 2004Mar
Flooding and sinking of twin rig trawler Elhanan T
Investigates Elhanan T’s flooding and sinking off Fraserburgh following compression-fitting failure and ineffective valve isolation. Examines bilge pumping, watertight subdivision and maintenance, alongside rescue communications and the transition to salvage. Releasing the nets altered stability, causing capsize; the skipper and helicopter winchman were subsequently recovered without injury.
- 2004
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2004
This marine accident digest presents lessons for merchant vessels, fishing vessels and leisure craft. Cases examine watchkeeping, collision avoidance, grounding, lifeboat launching, fires, flooding and evacuation drills. It discusses passage appraisal, equipment inspection, risk assessment, water-fog suppression, watertight integrity and the accessibility of emergency equipment.
- 2004
MAIB Safety Digest 2004 — Leisure craft edition
This collection brings together 25 leisure-craft accident articles and their lessons. Sailing yachts, dinghies and powerboats feature in capsizes, groundings, flooding and overboard emergencies. Discussion examines navigation, heavy-weather tactics, lifejacket and harness use, watertight closures, rescue-boat suitability, survivor accounting, safety briefings and skipper rest.
- 2003Mar
MAIB Safety Digest 2003 — Fishing edition
This fishing safety digest draws lessons from collisions, near misses, groundings, flooding, capsizes and deck accidents. Cases examine lookout practices, fatigue, navigation equipment, bilge alarms and pumping reliability. Practical lessons address machinery guarding, lifejacket use, valve checks and emergency measures to reduce water ingress.
- 2003
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2003
A marine accident digest presents lessons for merchant vessels, fishing vessels and leisure craft. Cases examine collision avoidance, flooding, crane and davit failures, cargo stability, mooring injuries and diving incidents. Practical discussions address risk assessment, planned maintenance, watertight subdivision, bilge alarms and safe operational procedures.
- 2002Nov
Capsize and sinking of mussel dredger Charisma with 1 person injured and loss of 1 life
Investigation into Charisma’s fatal capsize in Carlingford Lough examines overloaded deck stowage, flooding and reduced stability. Inclining tests and stability modelling support the analysis. The report discusses absent manual bilge pumping, ineffective flood warning, lifejacket accessibility and liferaft deployment, and recommends loading guidance for small fishing vessels.
- 20021 Sep
Loss of a vessel
A survey vessel sank after an acoustic transceiver pole fell during lowering, destroying its supporting structure and allowing water into the engine room. Submergence prevented gate-valve closure, and only one of three delivered pumps worked. Coordinated emergency response and rescue-craft evacuation brought all 29 crew safely ashore without injury.
- 2002
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2002
A marine safety digest examining merchant, fishing and leisure-craft accidents through case narratives and practical lessons. Subjects include collisions, grounding, machinery failures, fires, flooding, lifeboat release failures and personal injuries. Discussions address radar plotting, checklist logic, alarm indications, maintenance checks, flood containment and preparation for rescue.
- 2002
MAIB Safety Digest 2002 — Fishing edition
This fishing safety digest presents accident accounts and lessons on flooding, capsize, overboard emergencies, machinery hazards and navigation. Cases examine bilge pumps and alarms, corrosion, watertight subdivision, lifejacket use and rescue arrangements. It also includes fishing-vessel casualty statistics covering 1990–2001 and largely reuses previously published articles.
- 2002
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2002
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant ships, fishing vessels and leisure craft. Cases examine navigation, collisions and near misses, grounding, galley fires, machinery faults, corrosion, flooding and capsize. Lessons discuss radar use, watchkeeper fatigue, watertight integrity, equipment maintenance, lifejackets and emergency preparedness; findings are expressly tentative.
- 2001Apr
Capsize and sinking of twin rig trawler Angela
Investigation of Angela’s North Sea capsize and sinking during fish processing. Shelter flooding caused the casualty; a jammed-open starboard tonnage valve was considered the most likely flooding source. The report examines full-hopper stability, eductor drainage, deckwash capacity, liferaft deployment and rescue, with recommendations on valve inspection and crew training.
- 2001Mar
Flooding and sinking of stern trawler Annandale
Investigation of Annandale’s flooding and sinking north of the Shetland Islands on 23 March 2000. Probable seawater piping failure, advanced corrosion, failed bilge warning and inadequate watertight subdivision are examined alongside pumping options and declined coastguard assistance. The report recommends considering competent pipework inspection reports as a condition of four-yearly safety surveys.
- 2001
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2001
Marine accident cases illustrate lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and leisure craft. Discussions address grounding, flooding, machinery failures, fires and personnel transfer, alongside watchkeeping and crew preparation. Practical analysis includes radar parallel indexing, emergency steering instructions, bilge alarm testing, pump use and watertight closures.
- 2001
MAIB Safety Digest 2001 — Fishing edition
A fishing safety digest draws lessons from multiple casualties involving fires, flooding, stability loss, groundings, collisions and people overboard. Case analyses examine navigation aids, fatigue, fishing machinery, bilge pumping and pipework failures. Recommendations address maintenance, watertight integrity, fire protection, lifejacket use and correctly arranged liferafts.
- 2001
MAIB Safety Digest 3/2001
A multi-case marine safety digest examines merchant, fishing and leisure craft accidents, emphasising human factors and practical incident learning. Cases address grounding, machinery failures, cargo securing, hazardous atmospheres, fires, flooding and people overboard. Lessons discuss navigation checks, maintenance handovers, hot-work authorisation, watertight subdivision, bilge alarms and lifejackets.