MAIB Report on Lundy Explorer Passenger Injury

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report into a serious passenger injury on the RIB Lundy Explorer at Ilfracombe, England, on 7 June 2023. The incident occurred shortly after departure on a sea safari trip when the vessel struck an unexpected wave.

A passenger seated in a forward jockey seat was dislodged by the impact and sustained a spinal fracture, leading to permanent paralysis.

The investigation highlighted several contributing factors:

• Weather conditions deteriorated more quickly than the skipper anticipated, producing choppy seas and higher waves.
• The forward jockey seats, particularly when used by a single occupant, exposed passengers to high shock loads.
• The safety briefing before departure did not adequately explain how to use the seats or the risks involved.
• Current regulations do not set safety standards for seat design, placement or use on high-speed RIBs.

The MAIB has issued recommendations aimed at improving passenger safety:

• The Maritime and Coastguard Agency should extend assessments on high-speed craft to cover vertical impacts and ensure future Codes of Practice address seating risks in the forward third of RIBs.
• Ilfracombe Sea Safari Limited should implement a full safety management system, including detailed operating procedures, risk assessments, and comprehensive pre-departure safety briefings.
• The company should also install vibration and shock sensors on all RIBs, allowing skippers to monitor and mitigate passenger exposure to dangerous forces.
• The Royal Yachting Association, British Marine and the Professional Charter Association should share the findings widely with members.

Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, stressed that serious injuries can occur even at low speeds in harbour waters. He urged operators to review seating, enhance safety briefings and carry out risk assessments, noting that similar incidents have happened before.

The report underlines the ongoing need for the RIB industry to prioritise passenger protection and adopt available guidance without delay.

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