Marine Accident Investigation Branch

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

07/07/2026

This Maritime Safety Week read our chief inspector's thoughts on making safety management systems work at sea.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/maritime-safety-week-2026

25/06/2026

Are you sure the crew on your vessels meet MGN 411 (M+F) mandatory training requirements?

Read our report and safety flyer on the serious injury to a crew member on a scallop dredger.

Report: https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/serious-injury-to-a-crew-member-on-board-the-scallop-dredger-jacoba-bm77

Safety flyer: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/are-your-crew-familiarised-with-the-vessel-and-its-hazards

MGN 411 (M+F): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mgn-411-cert-req-for-crew-of-fv-their-use-to-vessels-yachts

Regularly review your crewing arrangement to keep everyone safe.

11/06/2026

We are hiring! We have a vacancy for a Principal Inspector of Marine Accidents in our Southampton-based office. Apply before 11:55pm on Monday 6 July 2026 via the Civil Service Jobs website.

We are seeking a Principal Inspector of Marine Accidents to join our Southampton-based office.