MAIB report examines fatal Peaky Blinder allision in Portsmouth Harbour

The MAIB has published its report into the allision of the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) Peaky Blinder with navigation beacon 81 in Portsmouth Harbour on 14 August 2025. The incident resulted in the deaths of the vessel’s owner and one of its two passengers. 

The allision occurred during the evening while the owner was driving the RIB. The owner and both passengers were ejected into the water. 

One passenger was recovered unconscious and was later declared dead. The owner’s body was recovered five days after the incident. The remaining passenger survived with minor injuries. 

According to the MAIB, Peaky Blinder was travelling at an unsafe speed immediately before striking the navigation beacon, placing its occupants and other harbour users at risk. 

The investigation also found that the vessel’s owner was under the influence of alcohol. The MAIB said this substantially increased the likelihood of an accident. 

None of the three people on board was wearing a personal flotation device. The report identified that the absence of personal flotation devices meant they could not help reduce the consequences of entering the water. 

The MAIB also concluded that regulation, enforcement and education within the recreational boating community had been ineffective in influencing behaviour concerning alcohol consumption on the water. 

The King’s Harbour Master, Portsmouth has been recommended to take action to improve compliance with the speed limits contained in the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 2005. 

The Secretary of State for Transport has been recommended to: 

• Make an order commencing the provisions covering alcohol limits for non-professional mariners contained in the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003. 
• Develop and enact proportionate secondary legislation defining the scope of subsection 80(3) of the Act, using the powers contained in subsection 80(4). 
• Develop a national strategy for an effective education and awareness campaign.