Uk Marine Accident Investigation Branch

Freedom II Fishing Vessel Foundering Report and Safety Flyer Published

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its accident investigation report into the foundering of the fishing vessel Freedom II (CN 111), which occurred 11 nautical miles south-west of Oban, Scotland on 21 February 2024. The report is available via the MAIB website and includes details of what happened and subsequent actions taken. A safety flyer has also been produced for the fishing industry addressing vessel flooding scenarios.

Freedom II Foundering Near Oban, 21 February 2024

The 15.94m UK registered prawn trawler Freedom II (CN 111) foundered 11 nautical miles south-west of Oban, Scotland, on 21 February 2024. The four crew were rescued uninjured and the vessel sank after being towed by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The MAIB investigation report 8/2026 found the vessel flooded progressively through a likely vibration-induced fracture of the seawater suction pipe for the deck wash pump; bilge pumps were overwhelmed and additional pumps failed or could not be used. No safety recommendations were issued, as prior recommendations cover the identified issues. A safety flyer has been distributed to the fishing industry.

Fatal Crew Accident on Ro-Ro Cargo Vessel Laureline at Purfleet

The MAIB published Investigation Report 7/2026 into the 13 July 2024 fatal crushing of a crew member on board the Malta-registered ro-ro cargo vessel Laureline at Purfleet, England. The accident occurred when a crew member passed behind a moving trailer believing it had finished manoeuvring, while the shore-based tug driver reversed the trailer without knowing the crew member's position. The report identifies multiple safety failures: inadequately trained new vehicle deck procedures, unclear danger-zone protocols, ineffective vehicle-deck supervision, and inadequate management assurance. The report supersedes a prior MAIB recommendation (2024/148) with an updated recommendation to the UK Chamber of Shipping and Port Skills and Safety Limited to develop a consolidated industry Code of Practice for ro-ro vehicle deck safety.

Spirit of Discovery - Loss of Propulsion in Heavy Weather, Bay of Biscay, Over 100 Injuries, Fatality

The passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery lost propulsion on 4 November 2023 while crossing the Bay of Biscay in heavy weather, resulting in over 100 passenger injuries. Eight seriously injured passengers were taken directly to hospital on arrival into port, and one of these passengers later died from his injuries. The MAIB investigation identified five key safety issues: propulsion loss due to violent motion causing propeller exposure and automatic shutdown; unexpected parking of both propulsion pods at 90 degrees to the vessel's heading; failure to effectively challenge the decision to cross the Bay of Biscay; inadequate implementation of the mass casualty incident plan; and delayed identification of a spinal injury leading to suboptimal treatment. Recommendations have been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, classification societies, the propulsion manufacturer, and the Cruise Lines International Association to address these systemic safety gaps.

Watercraft Accident Investigation Legislation Amendment

The Department for Transport and Marine Accident Investigation Branch concluded a consultation on amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023. The amendments aim to ensure accidents involving watercraft (recreational vessels with installed motors such as personal watercraft) can be investigated by the MAIB, and to correct minor drafting defects in the original order. Seventeen responses were received; minor stylistic amendments raised during consultation will be incorporated and the new legislation will be introduced as soon as possible.