Marine Accident Investigation Branch

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Marine Accident Investigation Branch

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The MAIB examines and investigates all types of marine accidents to or onboard UK ships worldwide The MAIB is part of the Department for Transport.

The Branch was established following the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster. The Herald of Free Enterprise, a UK flagged roll-on roll-off ferry, flooded and subsequently capsized shortly after leaving the Belgium port of Zeebrugge on the 6 March 1987, with the loss of 193 passengers and crew. A Formal Investigation was carried by order of the Secretary of State. One of the outcomes of the investigation was the formation of the MAIB in 1989.

15/10/2026

Today, we've published our investigation report into the partial collapse of an inflatable migrant boat resulting in the loss of one life in the English Channel on 9 September 2025.

Read our report: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/unnamed-migrant-boat-report-published

08/10/2026

Are your crews effectively planning and communicating during lift maintenance and inspection activities?

Read our report on the fatal accident to a crew member on board the Bermuda registered passenger vessel Arvia: https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/fatal-accident-to-a-crew-member-on-board-the-bermuda-registered-passenger-vessel-arvia

25/09/2026

Never hesitate to issue a "Mayday" in an emergency!

Read our report and safety flyer on the foundering of the longline fishing vessel Argos Georgia with the loss of 13 lives.

Report: https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/foundering-of-the-fishing-vessel-argos-georgia-with-the-loss-of-13-lives

Safety flyer: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/are-your-vessel-operations-approved-and-practised/safety-flyer-to-the-fishing-industry-argos-georgia

20/08/2026

Today, we've published our investigation report into the man overboard from the lone-operated creel fishing vessel Sea Eagle (AH18), resulting in one presumed fatality in fishing grounds south-east of Montrose, Scotland on 20 December 2025.

* Carrying multiple strings of creels increases the risk of entanglement during shooting operations.

* Separation from fishing gear during deployment is essential.

* Interaction with running fishing gear presents a serious man overboard hazard.

* The risk of drowning is high following a man overboard event from a lone-operated fishing vessel if precautions are not taken.

* Not wearing a personal flotation device significantly reduces the chance of survival when self-recovery is not possible.

* Fatal accidents involving lone operators of fishing vessels continue to occur despite longstanding industry guidance.

Read our report: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sea-eagle-report-published

13/08/2026

Today, we've published our latest report, which examines the loss of fishing vessel Silver Cloud II after it grounded near Lochinver, Scotland.

* The report highlights recurring lessons on fatigue management and lone watchkeeping in the fishing industry.

* The crew’s preparedness and training in survival techniques helped them escape without injury.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/silver-cloud-ii-report-published

28/07/2026

Today, we've published our report on the investigation into the fatal man overboard from the Isle of Man registered bulk carrier World Prize 3.5 nautical miles east-south-east of Rönnskär, Sweden on 14 October 2025.

* Working close to an unguarded opening leads to a fall from height.

* Permits to work – more than just paper to be completed.

* If it’s unsafe, act to stop it.

* Being too involved means you can’t supervise.

* Safety harnesses – there to stop you falling.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/world-prize-report-published

15/07/2026

Today, we've published our report and safety flyer on the investigation into the allision of the rigid inflatable boat Peaky Blinder with a navigation beacon in Portsmouth Harbour, England resulting in two fatalities on 14 August 2025.

* Drinking and driving afloat ruins lives just as much as on the road.

* Excessive speed, alcohol and no lifejackets proved a fatal combination in Portsmouth Harbour.

* Recreational boaters: stay sober, slow down, and wear a PFD every time.

* Sober operation, safe speed, and lifejacket wearing are basic protections that save lives on the water.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/peaky-blinder-report-and-safety-flyer-published

10/07/2026

Effective safety management systems save lives.

Review and revise yours today.

09/07/2026

Do you test your SMS by regularly practising drills?

Our recently published report Freedom II (https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/foundering-of-the-fishing-vessel-freedom-ii-cn-111) demonstrated how practising regular drills helped the crew prepare for and respond to their emergency.

08/07/2026

Does your safety management system reflect your operations and real life working?

Read our report about an able seaman who was crushed between a trailer and the vessel's structure causing fatal injuries.

Report: https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/fatal-accident-to-a-crew-member-on-board-the-roll-on-slash-roll-off-cargo-vessel-laureline

Address

Spring Place, 105 Commercial Rd
Southampton
SO151GH

Telephone

+442380395500

Website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-accident-investigation-branch

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