Video highlights key safety lessons from deadly tugboat capsize 

A video published by the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) explains the factors contributing to the capsize and loss of tugboat Biter on 24 February 2023, while it was assisting passenger vessel Hebridean Princess.

This bulletin highlights the key safety lessons from the MAIB’s investigation into the fatal accident that resulted in the loss of Biter’s two crew members in Greenock, Scotland.

The MAIB produced and published the three-minute safety video at the request of the industry to promote the key safety issues identified and to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Biter girted, capsized and sank within seconds when its towline suddenly went taut, and the speed of Hebridean Princess meant the passenger ship turned the tug over.

The safety video explains why there must be better communications between the vessel’s master, the marine pilot and the tug crew, to ensure all parties have a detailed understanding of the operations plan.

All involved should remember that a small increase in speed can result in a large increase in the force acting on the towlines, escalating the risk of an incident.

The MAIB recommends that tugboat crews ensure that the tug’s gob rope is correctly rigged and keep the doors and hatches closed during towing operations.

Following publication of the video, the MAIB recommended that the UK Chamber of Shipping, UK Harbour Masters’ Association, the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association, the British Tugowners Association, British Ports Association and The Workboat Association share this safety bulletin.