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The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) examines and investigates all types of marine accidents to or on board UK ships worldwide, and other ships in UK territorial waters.

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Saffier

MAIB Accident Investigation Report

Saffier

Published 10 May 2012

Key issues:

  • The main propulsion control system malfunctioned while Saffier was berthing because the system had not been correctly adjusted after major repairs were carried out a few months before the accident.
  • When half astern was demanded, the propulsion system supplied full astern propeller pitch.
  • The master was unable to respond to the situation effectively because he was not familiar with the use of the emergency back up controls
  • A recommendation has been made for classification societies to require more comprehensive tests of astern propulsion controls.

Read Accident Investigation Report



MAIB Accident Investigation Report

Morfil and Sun Clipper

Published 18 April 2012

Key issues:

  • The driver of a RIB which collided with a passenger ship on the River Thames was over the alcohol limit for motorists.
  • The RIB was exceeding the recommended 12 knot speed limit and her driver had little time to take successful avoiding action.
  • Neither the RIB driver nor his passenger was wearing lifejackets; both were thrown into the water on impact.
  • The driver of the RIB was not wearing a kill-cord and he and his passenger were fortunate not to be seriously injured as the RIB circled close by at speed before grounding.

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Current investigations
This section contains a list of the investigations currently underway in the branch:

Current investigations

Publications and information
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For detailed MAIB reports including downloadable and printable documents go to:


MAIB Publications

MAIB Safety Digests

Investigation Reports by Year

Investigation Reports by Vessel Category

Investigation Reports by Incident

Reports Listed Alphabetically

MAIB Safety Flyers

MAIB Annual Reports


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Any requests for information received by MAIB are answered in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Freedom of Information Act


How to report an accident
By law accidents, including major injuries, must be reported to the MAIB by the quickest possible means. This is so they can be investigated immediately before vital evidence decays, is removed or is lost.

For further information go to the:


Report an accident section