Topic
Vessel Collision
Vessels striking other vessels or fixed structures.
Newest 100 Documents
All 342 in search- 202615 Jul
Allision of the rigid inflatable boat Peaky Blinder with a navigation beacon with the loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Peaky Blinder’s fatal allision with a navigation beacon in Portsmouth Harbour examines excessive speed, ineffective lookout and alcohol-related impairment. It discusses absent personal flotation devices, recreational boating alcohol regulation and harbour speed enforcement, with recommendations addressing statutory alcohol limits, public awareness and adherence to speed restrictions.
- 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.
- 20265 Feb
Collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the stern trawler Serinah (GH 116)
Investigates the collision of Apache and Serinah in the Firth of Clyde and the trawler’s subsequent flooding and sinking. Examines inadequate avoiding action, watchkeeping competence, navigation equipment, traffic monitoring and assistance after collision. All three fishing crew survived uninjured; recommendations address navigational training and understanding fishing vessel behaviour.
- 2025Dec
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 8 (December 2025)
Superyacht incident reports examine a failed mooring attachment, captain harassment, generator starter battery explosions, collision at anchor, unsafe pilot boarding arrangements, unprotected work aloft and defective life rafts. Commentary discusses battery capacity and ventilation, engineering handovers, equipment servicing and testing, reporting concerns and organisational safety culture.
- 2025Nov
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 81
Six confidential maritime reports examine a pilot’s fall, unsafe ladder rigging, illegal waste disposal, congested harbour operations involving an uncrewed vessel, a yacht–ferry close-quarters encounter and management intimidation. Commentary discusses transfer procedures, collision avoidance, competence assurance, reporting protections and the influence of leadership on safety and environmental compliance.
- 202525 Sep
Collision between the tender to Isabell Princess of the Sea and the RIB Vega, resulting in one fatality
Investigation of a fatal collision between a yacht tender and the drifting RIB Vega in Göcek harbour. It examines unsafe speed, night visibility, unused chart-plotter information, possible alcohol impairment and unclear command authority. The passenger died from collision injuries and drowning; subsequent actions addressed tender operations, authority and navigation-light compliance.
- 202518 Jun
NTSB: Vessel crane contact with shore-side crane
This safety flash summarises an NTSB investigation into a crane barge contacting a dockside crane while being pushed at North Charleston Terminal. The probable cause was failure to identify the overhead hazard. Lessons highlight projecting dockside cranes, vessel air draft and bridge crews’ knowledge of vessel dimensions.
- 202516 Apr
UK HSE: Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels
This safety flash summarises five vessel collisions with offshore installations and wind turbines reported in an HSE notice. Cases examine distracted watchkeeping, restricted visibility, dynamic positioning limitations and bridge communication. Recommendations address watchkeeping procedures, bridge resource management, alarm operation, attendant-vessel monitoring and consideration of sailing audits.
- 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.
- 2025Mar
Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels
HSE safety notice examines five vessel collisions involving offshore installations and wind turbines. Cases highlight distracted watchkeeping, lost situational awareness, environmental conditions and poor bridge communication. Recommended reviews cover watchkeeping instructions, bridge resource management, navigational alarms and vessel monitoring, with consideration of sailing audits to identify operational bad practice.
- 202526 Feb
Contact with pier by paddle steamer Waverley
Investigation of Waverley’s contact with Brodick pier on 3 September 2020, injuring 24 passengers and crew. Engine dead centre delayed astern propulsion. The report examines piston valve securing, lost engineering expertise, informal training and unassessed closed-end berthing risks. It records subsequent maintenance and operational changes, with no recommendations made.
- 202520 Feb
Crew transfer vessel (CTV) drifts onto turbine tower
After a successful personnel transfer, a crew transfer vessel drifted into a turbine structure at 0.5 knots while crew completed administrative tasks. No injuries occurred; paintwork damage was noted. The flash examines situational awareness, bridge instrumentation and inappropriate transfer authorisation, emphasising lookout and consideration of vessel position and conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20243 Sep
MAIB: vessel collision caused by mismatch between bridge and engine room control
This flash summarises a collision in Hull involving Kirkella and harbour tug Shovette after propulsion control transferred with mismatched pitch settings. It explains the automatic advance in propeller pitch and presents MAIB lessons on synchronised handover checks, documented changeover procedures, optional interlocks and advisable declutching before transfer.
- 202418 Jul
Contact with Oikos Jetty 2 by chemical tanker Ali Ka
Investigation of Ali Ka’s contact with Oikos Jetty 2 during departure from Canvey Island without tug assistance. It examines passage planning, bridge-team coordination, propulsion orders, tidal effects and ECDIS settings. Pilot fatigue was assessed as highly likely to have contributed; recommendations address fatigue management, training, tug provision and challenge resolution.
- 202413 Jun
Collision between fishing vessel Kirkella and pusher tug Shovette
Investigation of Kirkella’s collision with Shovette in Hull following propulsion control transfer with mismatched pitch levers. The tug partially sank and released about 7,000 litres of diesel. The report examines control interfaces, absent interlocks, handover procedures and safety management, recording interim checks and requested system modifications.
- 20243 Jun
Vessel collided with platform
A vessel waiting on weather collided with an unmanned, unlit platform while using joystick auto heading mode. Nobody was injured and damage was minor. The flash examines distracted watchkeeping, position monitoring and unset navigation alarms, and describes revised DP checklists, watchkeeping analysis and restrictions on non-watchkeeping duties.
- 202427 Feb
Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) hit protruding scaffolding on a supply vessel
A crew transfer vessel struck scaffolding protruding from an anchored offshore supply vessel, damaging a railing without injury. The master underestimated the projection and vessel swing, while repeated transfers were treated as routine. The flash calls for a more comprehensive risk assessment addressing protruding objects and continuous swing.
- 202419 Feb
Vessel damaged in contact with platform
A crew transfer vessel struck a fixed platform after its port inner main engine remained driving forward. Worn carbon brushes caused the propulsion actuator to freeze. Control was regained too late to prevent wheelhouse damage; nobody was injured. Actions included fleet motor checks, revised maintenance arrangements and renewed emphasis on loss-of-power drills.
- 20249 Jan
UK MAIB: Workboat collision with wind turbine platform
A workboat transferring maintenance teams in an offshore wind farm struck a turbine platform after its master became distracted by paperwork. A crewman suffered two broken ribs and the vessel sustained minor damage. Lessons emphasise maintaining a lookout, checking navigation instruments and reviewing administrative demands on vessel crews.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2024
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational craft incidents. Cases examine pilot ladders, navigation, mooring machinery, suspended loads, falls and recovery from the water. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address RIB passenger injuries, dredging-chain failures, fire-extinguishing systems and flotation-device suitability.
- 202314 Dec
Heavy contact between the high-speed passenger craft Seadogz and a navigation buoy with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Seadogz’s fatal collision with a navigation buoy in Southampton Water. It examines skipper workload and visibility, chart plotter accessibility, passenger seating and handhold protection, lifejacket effectiveness, and operator oversight. Recommendations address passenger protection, inconsistent regulatory guidance and port assessment of high-speed commercial passenger operations.
- 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.
- 20231 Jul
Crew member in small boat slipped and dislocated shoulder
A crew member kneeling in a diving workboat dislocated his shoulder while bracing against its internal structure after the boat pitched into a mooring buoy. The flash identifies gaps in risk assessment and project planning, and calls for consideration of instinctual behaviour and review of small-boat safety briefings.
- 2023May
Risk to offshore installation mooring lines outside 500m safety zone
This safety notice addresses trawling and navigation risks to floating offshore installation moorings beyond 500 m safety zones. It describes collisions and fishing-gear snagging despite warnings, and calls for clear information on mooring spreads and conditional snagging hazards, alongside review of collision risk management and emergency response arrangements.
- 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 71 (Summer 2023)
This maritime digest examines engine defects, misleading master–pilot exchanges, language barriers, a power shutdown, a yacht collision and repeated falls from a paint raft. Commentary addresses commercial pressure, communication and supervision. A separate article describes automated tank cleaning with high-pressure spinning nozzles and remote drone inspections to reduce enclosed-space entry.
- 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.
- 202223 Nov
Vessel collision with underwater objects in harbour
An AHTS vessel departing a harbour struck uncharted submerged pilings, damaging its hull and allowing seawater ingress. The flash identifies missing navigational markings and inaccurate chart information. It recommends calculating under-keel clearance with relevant operating factors and, where possible, avoiding areas subject to navigation warnings.
- 202226 Jul
Machinery breakdown leads to a collision
A tanker approaching a berth suffered main engine failure and struck a moored barge at around 4.5 knots. Incomplete engine-control maintenance left a locking pin unsecured, activating emergency manoeuvring overrides. The flash highlights physical verification of locking arrangements, closer pilot–bridge integration and attention to single points of failure.
- 2022Jun
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 67
Maritime incident reports examine risk acceptance through undocking damage, unsafe access over timber cargo, power and detection failures, collisions, cargo-control distraction, grounding, sinking and boiler repair. Commentary addresses testing, isolation, familiarisation and challenge culture. Additional material describes tug-use training and a pilot-boarding safety checklist.
- 20225 May
Person overboard from motor cruiser Diamond Emblem 1 with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal overboard accident involving a self-drive hire cruiser on the River Bure. Embankment impact threw a passenger into the water, where rope and propeller entanglement caused injuries and drowning. Analysis examines dual-helm controls, labelling, stern protection, handover competence, risk assessment and regulatory oversight.
- 202222 Mar
MSF: Contact between Vessel and Offshore Installation
A standby vessel struck an offshore installation after watchkeeping distractions and an accidental change to emergency steering prevented forward movement being arrested. The hull was dented but not holed. The flash discusses failure to follow existing procedures, switch functionality, lookout duties, passage planning and emergency scenario training.
- 202217 Feb
Collision between rigid inflatable boat Rib Tickler and a personal watercraft with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal collision in the Menai Strait involving Rib Tickler and a personal watercraft jumping its wake. Examines lookout, separation, helm experience and supervision, alongside local navigation risk assessment and personal watercraft legislation. Discusses training gaps and recommendations concerning guidance, harbour powers and maritime-team resources.
- 2022
CHIRP Annual Digest 2022
A compilation of maritime cases published during 2022, with commentary and supporting insight articles. Reports examine navigation, pilot boarding, mooring, towing, engineering maintenance and working conditions. Discussions address communication, bridge-team challenge, pressurised equipment, harness arrangements, risk assessment, permits and training, alongside examples of unsafe practice and effective intervention.
- 2022
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2022
This multi-case marine digest examines collisions, groundings, machinery failures, fires and people entering the water across merchant, fishing and leisure vessels. Lessons address bridge teamwork, maintenance isolation, pilot-ladder securing, risk assessment and emergency preparedness. Reproduced bulletins and flyers discuss vehicle-deck crushing, collision avoidance and fishing-vessel survival.
- 20213 Dec
Collision between prawn trawler Achieve and general cargo vessel Talis and subsequent sinking of Achieve
Investigates the collision of Achieve and Talis in fog off Tynemouth and Achieve’s subsequent sinking under tow. Examines unattended and distracted watchkeeping, radar detection, reliance on AIS, omitted fog signals and delayed avoiding action. Reviews flooding response and rescue, recommending proper-lookout procedures and reminders of collision-regulation obligations.
- 20211 Oct
NTSB: Collision leading to loss of life and damage
This flash summarises a Mississippi river towing collision that capsized one vessel, left three crew members presumed dead and caused fuel and vapour releases. It reports insufficient pilot radio communication and inaccurate AIS tow-size information as probable causes, emphasising adequate communication and current information across operational interfaces.
- 20219 Sep
Immobilisation and flooding of dredger Shearwater following repeated collisions with unmanned barge Agem One
Investigation of Shearwater’s immobilisation and flooding near Kinlochbervie while towing Agem One. Towline fouling disabled propulsion, and repeated barge collisions breached the hull. The report examines towing suitability, crew competence, passage planning, HMPE tow arrangements, bilge pumping and regulatory oversight. The initial towline failure’s precise cause remained undetermined.
- 202120 May
Collision between the high speed passenger craft Seadogz and a navigation buoy with loss of 1 life
MAIB’s interim investigation examines Seadogz’s fatal collision with a navigation buoy in Southampton Water during a high-speed passenger excursion. Initial findings address the skipper’s attention, close passes, wake crossing and passenger expectations. Operators are recommended to review risk assessments against the voluntary industry code and document measures where compliance is not possible.
- 2021Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2021
A marine accident digest presenting separate lessons for merchant shipping, fishing vessels and recreational craft. Cases examine unsafe access, lifting gear, engine fires, navigation, capsize and flooding. Discussions address risk assessment, supervision, casualty recovery, mooring checks and navigation aids. Appendix coverage dates refer specifically to investigations started, rather than incident dates.
- 20214 Mar
Vessel hull damage due to quayside contact
Two incidents at Great Yarmouth involved vessel hull and fender damage at quaysides. One involved a displaced Yokohama fender and penetration by a pad eye; the other involved unsuitable rubber-faced steel plate fenders. Weather contributed to both. Recommendations address berthing appraisal, pre-arrival briefings, unsuitable berths and monitoring conditions alongside.
- 202124 Feb
Ship Allisions Result in Severe Damage to Fixed Facilities
Reports two oil tanker allisions with South Pass shelf platforms in October 2020 and January 2021, causing damage without injuries or pollution. Investigations remained ongoing. Recommendations address navigation-aid inspections, conditional notices to mariners, consideration of close-ship protocols and drills, regulatory compliance audits, and post-allision topside and underwater structural surveys.
- 202128 Jan
Collision between motor yachts Minx and Vision with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal collision near Cannes when Vision attempted a high-speed close pass of anchored Minx. The report examines surface-drive hydrodynamics, charterer influence, likely cannabis-related impairment and missing commercial qualification endorsement. It recommends wider dissemination of safety lessons to commercial motor yacht owners and operators.
- 202119 Jan
Vessel near miss with wellhead
A vessel passed less than 10 metres from a wellhead inside a 500 m zone. Preliminary findings, subject to further investigation, describe a lone Master distracted by change-over and departures from watchkeeping and voyage procedures. Actions emphasise procedural compliance, competent and rested watchkeepers, suitable replacements and COLREGs.
- 20204 Nov
Collision between 2 fire and rescue service boats with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal collision between two fire-service rescue boats during training and familiarisation. A firefighter suffered a fatal head injury when struck by the other boat. The report examines uncoordinated manoeuvres, ineffective lookout, planning, supervision, risk assessment, crew competence and gaps in boat operating standards.
- 202023 Oct
Windfarm Support Vessel Njord Forseti hit wind turbine tower – Jersey Maritime Administration
This safety flash summarises findings from Njord Forseti’s collision with a turbine tower in the Southern North Sea. The investigation identified distraction, inadequate lookout and ineffective passage monitoring. Recommendations address COLREGS compliance, potential distractions, passage-monitoring training, appropriate wheelhouse manning and crew resource management.
- 2020Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2020
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant vessels, commercial fishing and recreational craft. Cases examine collisions, grounding, machinery failures, overboard accidents, scalding and fire. Discussions address navigation information, lifejackets, maintenance checks and recovery arrangements. An appended provisional bulletin considers precautions for condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing systems.
- 202014 Aug
Hull damage caused oil leakage from settling tank
A vessel’s fuel settling tank was punctured during berthing where protective fendering was missing, causing oil leakage. Port maintenance had not been communicated, while quayside access restrictions limited observation. Lessons address berthing risk assessment, decision-making information, possible shoreside support, alternative inboard tank arrangements and pollution emergency planning.
- 202015 Jul
Near miss between ro-ro ferry Stena Superfast VII and Royal Navy submarine
This investigation examines a North Channel near miss between Stena Superfast VII and a submerged Royal Navy submarine. It analyses inaccurate range and speed assessments, periscope watchkeeping supervision, electronic contact information and cancellation of a close quarters procedure. Reported actions address simulator training, procedural adherence and risk assessment.
- 202023 Jun
USCG: Automatic identification system (AIS) inaccuracies led to fatalities
This flash describes a fatal collision between towing vessels approaching a Mississippi River bend in darkness. Their AIS broadcasts omitted full tow lengths, limiting operators’ understanding of the passing situation. It highlights accurate vessel data entry and display, and summarises SOLAS requirements for AIS carriage and operation.
- 202028 Apr
Fire in engine room and subsequent collision with structure on transport barge
A tug suffered an engine-room fire after fuel oil escaped during pressure testing and ignited on hot engines. A blackout preceded collision with a structure protruding from the transport barge. The flash examines failed emergency and fire systems, permit shortcomings and recommendations for controlling non-standard work and improving crew familiarisation.
- 202019 Mar
Collision between container vessel ANL Wyong and gas carrier King Arthur
Investigates the collision between ANL Wyong and King Arthur in dense fog, darkness and heavy shipping traffic. Examines bridge-team decision-making, AIS prioritisation over radar tracking, VHF distraction and shore traffic monitoring. Both vessels sustained damage without injury or pollution; recommendations address traffic services and AIS navigation-status descriptions.
- 202017 Mar
Damage and engine room flooding following contact by tugboat
A tug lost manoeuvrability during berthing and struck a vessel, tearing its hull and flooding the engine room. Emergency bilge suction using a ballast pump controlled the flooding. The flash examines excessive vessel speed, rough weather, communication and supervision failures, and stresses the master’s authority and familiarity with damage-control arrangements.
- 202020 Feb
Collision between ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon and moored yacht Greylag
These annexes assemble ferry navigation risk assessments, a chief officer training form and Cowes Harbour directions. They address restricted visibility, collision and grounding risks, tidal manoeuvring, radar and ECDIS use, bridge communications and competence assessment, alongside precautions for vessels rafted at Shepards Marina.
- 202013 Feb
Collision between bulk carrier Gülnak and moored bulk carrier Cape Mathilde
This investigation examines Gülnak’s collision with the moored Cape Mathilde at Teesport after an intended port turn could not be arrested. It analyses shiphandling, steering, engine indications and hydrodynamic effects without identifying a direct cause. Missing recorded data limited verification; recommendations address manoeuvring data and bridge equipment checks.
- 2020
The safe approach, set-up and departure of jack-up rigs to fixed installations (REV 1)
Guidance for duty holders managing jack-up approach, positioning and departure beside fixed offshore installations. It examines collision and hydrocarbon-release risks, pipeline protection, human factors and personnel limits. Site-specific ALARP demonstrations underpin decisions on production shutdown, depressurisation and venting, with live approaches requiring justification of changed circumstances.
- 201917 Dec
Vessel hit and destroyed fender
A vessel approaching harbour struck the quay and destroyed its fenders during a changeover to bridge wing control. Wind and current forced the vessel to starboard, while crew distraction reduced attention to its movement. The flash calls for crew review of contributing factors and lessons learnt.
- 2019Dec
RR1154 - Ship/Platform Collision Incident Database (2015) for offshore oil and gas installations
Research report updating UKCS vessel–platform collision records for 1996–2015, with separate analysis of near misses. It compares installation types, vessel categories, damage severity and geographical distributions, using operating-installation counts and statistical confidence intervals. Reported collision trends decline, but under-reporting and incomplete records limit interpretation.
- 201928 Oct
Marine Operations
HSE guidance supports offshore inspectors in assessing dutyholders’ marine operations and assigning compliance ratings. It covers vessel assurance, collision prevention, cargo transfer, rig moves, walk-to-work gangways and multi-role rescue vessels. Inspection criteria examine operational limits, risk assessments, certification and whether additional vessel duties compromise response and rescue capability.
- 2019Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2019
A collection of marine accident lessons spanning merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating. Cases examine collisions, grounding, machinery failures, falls, fires and people overboard. Discussions emphasise passage planning, bridge teamwork, equipment maintenance, lifejackets, realistic recovery arrangements and emergency drills, with reproduced bulletins on vehicle-deck safety and retractable ballast securing.
- 201923 Aug
Mooring incident: Mooring line slipped off and snapped back
A cargo barge’s mooring line slipped from its bollards and recoiled into an attending tug, damaging its antenna dome. Temporary loss of barge control led to a collision without damage. The flash examines incorrect mooring arrangements, backward-angled bollards and towing-bridle slack, and discusses conditional figure-of-eight mooring, training and contingency practice.
- 201917 Jul
Collision between rigid inflatable boat Tiger One and a mooring buoy with 4 people injured
Investigation of Tiger One’s night-time collision with a River Thames mooring buoy, injuring two crew and two passengers. It examines buoy-light visibility, navigation by eye, limited local night experience, chart-plotter use and protective seating and kill-cord arrangements. Subsequent actions addressed night-time speed limits, passenger reporting and independent safety-management audits.
- 201911 Jul
Safety Alert 360 - Collision Leads to Significant Near Miss
A vessel collision during preparations for a swing-rope personnel transfer dislodged a load block from an out-of-service crane into nearby water. Inspection revealed a broken load line and severe corrosion. BSEE recommends considering visual inspections, securing or removing blocks and headache balls, and lubricating wire ropes during prolonged inactivity.
- 201918 Apr
Vessel hit moored barge whilst turning
A vessel grazed a moored barge while turning in a smaller river-port basin than planned. The flash identifies inadequate assessment of the pilot-advised deviation, lack of bridge-team challenge and misjudged clearance. Lessons emphasise communication with pilots and mooring teams, awareness of manoeuvring characteristics and avoiding turns with marginal room.
- 2019Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2019
A marine accident digest examining merchant, fishing and recreational vessel casualties. Cases address collisions, groundings, mooring equipment failures, fires, flooding and fatal water-entry accidents. Lessons discuss passage planning, equipment testing, alarm accuracy, emergency arrangements and risk assessment. A reproduced bulletin examines oxygen deficiency during refrigerated salt-water tank entry.
- 201928 Mar
Collision between ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon and motor cruiser Phoenix
Investigation of a collision between Red Falcon and Phoenix in Southampton’s Thorn Channel. It examines visual lookout, sun glare, seated bridge positions, radar monitoring and the cruiser owner’s awareness of approaching traffic. Phoenix sustained serious damage without injuries. The ferry operator took watchkeeping improvement measures; MAIB made no recommendations.
- 201921 Feb
Contact and grounding of ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Kent
Investigation annexes trace Pride of Kent’s manoeuvring from a berth through contact and grounding. The chronology records reduced port-engine shaft speed, loss of a bow thruster, transfer of steering control and rudder synchronisation. A separate annex presents wind speed and direction using the ship’s anemometer data.
- 2019Feb
Considerations for Walk to Work and Multi Operation Vessels – Regulatory Guidance
UK regulatory guidance for offshore oil and gas walk-to-work safety cases addresses vessel selection, installation collision resistance, station keeping and task-specific procedures. It examines gangway evacuation availability, contractor competence and combined rescue-vessel arrangements, requiring rescue and recovery capability to remain available throughout operations.
- 2019
Structural response to vessel impact
Guidance explains HSE expectations for assessing offshore installations’ structural response to attendant vessel collisions. It covers structural analysis, damage escalation, safety-case evidence and design criteria for new and existing installations. Simplified techniques and finite element analysis support assessment of impact capacity, vessel displacement and tolerable velocity, with periodic reviews and marine controls where required.
- 201831 Oct
Dragging anchor and subsequent collisions by general cargo vessel Celtic Spirit
Investigation of Celtic Spirit dragging anchor in heavy weather on the River Humber and colliding with two anchored vessels. It examines insufficient anchor cable, delayed recognition of movement, engine readiness and warning communications, alongside anchorage allocation. Fleet procedures and port arrangements were revised; no recommendations were made.
- 201817 Oct
Heavy contact made by container vessel CMA CGM Centaurus with quay and shore cranes
Investigation of CMA CGM Centaurus striking a pontoon and shore cranes at Jebel Ali, causing crane collapse and ten injuries. Simulator trials examined turning performance. Findings address excessive approach speed, unavailable tug assistance, deficient master–pilot information exchange, absent shared planning and pressure to complete pilotage quickly.
- 201825 Sep
Seamanship: Vessel Collision with Fishing Boat
A vessel on a ballast voyage collided with a fishing boat in fog and zero visibility, sustaining paint scratches above the waterline. The flash examines failures to follow standing instructions and shortcomings in radar use. Lessons address procedure compliance, radar and lookout training, and early, readily apparent collision-avoidance action.
- 201817 Sep
Unplanned deployment of free fall lifeboat
A free-fall lifeboat deployed unnoticed from a vessel alongside and struck a nearby barge, damaging its bow. Investigation identified no clear root cause or technical defects; the member remained dissatisfied with the proposed explanation. Actions addressed master-link positioning, reduced certified occupancy and maintenance-hook use in port or during maintenance at sea.
- 201820 Jul
Vessel collision with fixed structure on wind farm
A vessel struck a wind turbine transition-piece platform twice after changing from dynamic positioning to independent joystick control in worsening weather. Thrusters returned to zero pitch during changeover. The flash examines handover awareness and judgement, subsequent system testing, and revisions to procedures, familiarisation and passage planning.
- 20189 May
Vessel made contact with rig legs
A vessel approaching a rig for cargo offloading drifted towards a leg and made slight contact during an attempted escape, without vessel damage. The flash identifies inadequate assessment of current effects and escape manoeuvring, and discusses prior agreement on operations, consideration of escape plans and the Master’s authority to reject operations.
- 201825 Apr
Collision between bulk carrier Huayang Endeavour and oil tanker Seafrontier
Investigation of the collision between Huayang Endeavour and Seafrontier in the Dover Strait. It examines inadequate long-range scanning, conflicting plans following VHF communication, omitted sound signals and the very likely effects of fatigue and mental loading on Seafrontier’s master. Neither injuries nor pollution occurred; completed remedial actions included retraining and rest-hours monitoring.
- 2018Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2018
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant, fishing and recreational vessels. Cases examine collisions, groundings, flooding, fires and personnel injuries, with attention to navigation, towing, maintenance and emergency readiness. Equipment-specific discussions include pilot-ladder deterioration, bilge-pump blockage, carbon monoxide alarms and safety-tether hook deformation under lateral loading.
- 201819 Mar
Vessel/Platform Collision – Mooring Bollard Broken by Vessel
A platform supply vessel struck and damaged a platform mooring bollard during cargo delivery by snatch lift. Limited crane reach prompted movement to around 1 m from the platform in 2m waves. Initial findings highlight unresolved operational concerns, stopping unsafe work and agreed guidance for platform approaches.
- 201815 Mar
Collision between general cargo ship Saga Sky and barge Stema Barge II resulting in subsea power cables damage
Investigates the collision of Saga Sky and Stema Barge II off Kent during severe weather, with anchor dragging and severed interconnector cables. Examines outdated anchorage charts, cable burial and condition monitoring, ship handling and emergency towage availability. Recommendations address nautical information, heavy-weather procedures and emergency response capability.
- 20172 Nov
Collision between high-speed passenger catamaran Typhoon Clipper and workboat Alison
Investigation of a passenger catamaran and workboat collision beside Tower Millennium Pier on the River Thames. It examines obstructed visibility, CCTV display limitations, distracted lookout and absent sound signals, alongside workboat management deficiencies. The report also analyses crew rescue, emergency drills and the risks of cold-water immersion without flotation devices.
- 2017Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2017
Marine accident cases draw lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft. They examine fires, collisions, lifting failures, falls, entanglement, flooding and emergency recovery. Practical discussions cover navigation aids, risk assessment, drills and equipment integrity. An appended safety bulletin examines low-sulphur marine gas oil waxing and cold-temperature fuel testing.
- 201721 Sep
Property damage: Platform supply vessel collided with legs of jack-up rig
A platform supply vessel struck a jack-up rig leg after its starboard engine and thrusters tripped following water transfer, while the hose remained connected. The flash identifies fuel-oil pump seal failure and weather-side working contrary to procedures, and highlights simultaneous-operations risk assessment and planned maintenance.
- 201713 Sep
Loss of control and grounding of ro-ro passenger ferry Hebrides
Investigation of Hebrides’ loss of propeller pitch control approaching Lochmaddy, followed by pontoon damage, grounding and pier contact. It examines actuator setscrew loosening, missing maintenance instructions, unimplemented control upgrades and difficulties coordinating emergency actions. Recommendations address propulsion-failure drills, contingency planning and handling manufacturers’ advice.
- 201725 Jul
High potential incident: Fast rescue craft capsized
A fast rescue craft capsized during a near-shore seismic survey after towed equipment snagged on the seabed and weather deteriorated. Four people entered the sea without injury. The flash discusses overridden stop-work intervention, loading limits and emergency arrangements, alongside two further small-boat incidents involving swell, collision and floating hoses.
- 201725 Jul
Painter parted during small boat operations
A fast rescue craft’s forward painter quick release failed during recovery, allowing the craft to swing into its mother vessel and damage its jet assembly. Three crew members were uninjured. The flash examines inaccessible springs and missing inspection criteria, recording replacement with a G-link, six-monthly visual inspections and a reviewed risk assessment.
- 201718 May
Collision between rigid inflatable boats Osprey and Osprey II resulting in serious injuries to 1 passenger
MAIB investigates the collision of two passenger RIBs in the Firth of Forth during opposing power turns. A passenger seated on an inflatable tube was seriously injured between a bow and helm console. The report examines manoeuvre risk assessment, suitable seating, operating instructions, medical response and passenger certification requirements.
- 20176 Apr
Contact made by passenger ferry Uriah Heep with Hythe Pier
Investigation of Uriah Heep’s collision with Hythe Pier during berthing examines water jet propulsion controls, hydraulic failure modes and restricted manoeuvring space. The precise fault remained unidentified, although hydraulic mechanical failure was considered almost certain. Seated passengers received warning before impact; no recommendations followed the actions taken.
- 2017Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2017
A multi-case digest draws preventive lessons from merchant shipping, fishing and recreational boating accidents. It examines navigation, vessel flooding, fires, machinery injuries and people entering the water, with particular attention to unnecessary risk-taking, equipment suitability, maintenance, risk assessment and effective casualty recovery.
- 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.
- 201728 Mar
Vessel activities near platforms – two incidents
Two vessel incidents near fixed platforms illustrate failures in fuel-system restoration and steering control. An AHTS vessel blacked out and drifted away after generators tripped; another vessel struck a flare bridge during personnel transfer following rudder feedback-unit failure. Actions address bunkering procedures, handovers, emergency-generator checks and communications.
- 201728 Mar
Vessel mast struck bridge – equipment damage
During transit of a United States ship canal, a vessel’s aft mast struck a raised railway bridge, breaking the mast post and damaging navigation lights beyond repair. No injuries occurred. The flash examines contradictory air-draft documentation, incomplete voyage planning and communication failures, emphasising case-by-case calculation of vessel air draft.
- 201715 Feb
Collision between ro-ro freight ferry Petunia Seaways and historic motor launch Peggotty
MAIB investigates a ferry–motor launch collision in dense fog on the River Humber. Peggotty sank after its two occupants were rescued uninjured. The report examines passage planning, seaworthiness, radar use, speed, fog signals and vessel traffic service communications, recording subsequent organisational actions without making recommendations.
- 20178 Feb
Collision between pure car carrier City of Rotterdam and ro-ro freight ferry Primula Seaways
Investigates the River Humber collision between City of Rotterdam and Primula Seaways. Ergonomic assessment and bridge simulation examine the pilot’s relative motion illusion through an off-axis window. Findings address bridge resource management, speed reduction and vessel traffic service intervention, with corrective measures concerning centreline references, radio access and training.
- 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.
- 201620 Dec
Incidents in small workboats used in the offshore renewables sector
Three small-workboat incidents concern a coolant-line bung left after repairs, a near-collision between crew transfer vessels in heavy fog, and a Master leaving the helm during passenger transfer in port. Lessons address repair records across shifts, safety-zone procedures, communication in reduced visibility and compliance with company transfer procedures.
- 20166 Dec
Vessel made contact with quay
A vessel struck a quay while shifting berth at night with two assisting tugs, damaging shell plating and quay concrete. The investigation identified unequal tug pushing, misjudged pushing power, language barriers and missing procedures. Preventative actions addressed the working language, Master intervention and compliance with Master–pilot relationship guidelines.
- 201612 Oct
Collision between the stern trawler Karen and a dived Royal Navy submarine
Investigation of a submerged Royal Navy submarine snagging Karen’s trawling gear in the Irish Sea. It examines mistaken acoustic classification, passive-sonar limitations, passage appraisal, warp and winch behaviour, and the crew’s response. Restricted access to primary evidence limited causal findings; recommendations address submarine procedures, training and fishing-vessel guidance.