What Went Wrong in Scapa Flow: MAIB Report on Fatal Diving Incident

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its report into the tragic death of a recreational diver on 28 September 2023 in Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, Scotland. The diver died during a decompression stop after being struck by the rotating propeller of the dive workboat Karin, which was operating nearby as a recreational dive support vessel.

The victim had been diving from another dive boat, Jean Elaine, also supporting divers exploring the wreck of the German battleship SMS Markgraf.

The MAIB identified three primary safety issues:

• Maintaining a proper lookout: Skippers must always maintain an effective lookout, especially when operating near divers. A dedicated lookout positioned appropriately is vital to detect surfacing divers in time to take avoiding action.
• Clear communication between vessels: Operators working in the same area must coordinate frequently and share dive plans to prevent overlap and potential collisions.
• Safe handling of DSMBs: Divers are advised to hold, not attach, delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) reels to their person. This allows the diver to release the line if it becomes snagged, avoiding entanglement or being pulled towards a vessel.

The MAIB recommended that Orkney Islands Council Harbour conduct a risk-based review of recreational diving operations under its jurisdiction. The review should evaluate dive vessel permit systems, vessel traffic service controls, stakeholder engagement, and develop a local code of practice in line with Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 424 (M).

Following the incident, MAIB issued Safety Bulletin 2/2024 to remind dive operators of lookout responsibilities and divers not to attach DSMBs to themselves.