The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has published its Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents for 2026.
Presented in the context of a ten-year period between 2016-2025, this publication contains statistics of marine casualties and incidents recorded in the European Marine Casualty Information Platform (EMCIP) as reported by 27 EU Member States, Iceland and Norway. Continue reading “EMSA releases Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2026”
An electrical technician was crushed to death during lift inspection on a cruise ship last year.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its final report into the incident that took place on Bermuda-registered passenger vessel Arvia.
What happened
At about 0552 on 26 October 2025, a crew member on board the Bermuda-registered passenger vessel Arvia was fatally injured while inspecting a passenger lift following overnight repairs. Continue reading “Crewmember died during lift inspection on cruise ship”
A hidden chemical interaction in a vessel’s bilge system can turn routine cargo and cleaning operations into a serious toxic-gas hazard. According to an IMCA Safety Flash, hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) was detected by portable gas detectors in an open area of the main deck during a vessel’s transit back to port. The gas was traced to certain bilge vents with the suspected source linked to mud loaded for a rig. No personnel were injured or suffered ill health, but the incident exposed gaps in anaerobic conditions in bilge systems cleaning, chemical compatibility assessment and H₂S monitoring. Continue reading “Chemical interaction risks and anaerobic conditions in bilge systems”
The bosun died on bulk carrier Avra was found collapsed and later pronounced deceased after he entered a space that was part of a fully loaded cargo hold, according to the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.
What happened
On the morning of 25 July 2025, the geared five-hatch, bulk carrier Avra was berthed on the starboard side at MB5, Daesan Port, and was discharging the bulk cargo of wood pellets. Continue reading “Bosun died on Avra bulk carrier after during enclosed space entry”
The line hauling hatch of fishing vessel Argos Georgia unexpectedly opened in heavy seas, which led to uncontrolled flooding and the vessel’s eventual sinking, killing 13 crewmembers, according to the final investigation report from the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Rob Loder, said: “This was a tragic accident resulting in the loss of 13 lives. Fishing in the remotest and most hostile parts of our oceans requires strict adherence to the maintenance of a vessel’s watertight integrity. Should a problem arise a quick, clear and efficient emergency plan should be executed. Training and safety drills provide the best chance of survival in such extreme circumstances.” Continue reading “Argos Georgia sank killing 13 due to hatch failure”
An investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) revealed failed engine control transfer led to passenger ferry Radisson to hit a wharf at the Port of Québec, injuring five people.
TSB said the investigation highlighted the need to better manage safety risks following changes to shipboard equipment and to require passenger safety management training for crew members of all passenger vessels. Continue reading “Failed engine control transfer led Radisson ferry to hit wharf”
The Isle of Man Ship Registry 2025 casualty summary report has been released – highlighting that mooring and anchoring operations remained one of the most common activities being undertaken at the time of an incident.
The Annual Summary of Casualties, Accidents and Incidents on Isle of Man Registered Vessels provides statistics and analyses the trends identified from the Accident Report Forms (ARF) submitted to the registry over the course of 2025. Continue reading “Isle of Man Ship Registry 2025 Casualty Summary report”
A trainee seafarer dies on board Federal Indiana after being found unconscious near the entrance of an access space on board the bulk carrier, which was transporting scrap metal, according to a report released by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.
The trainee seafarer had served on board Federal Indiana for only 4.9 months before the incident that killed them.
What happened
On the morning of 19 February 2025, Federal Indiana was underway in the Mediterranean Sea, laden with scrap metal divided over the six cargo holds on board. The Company had assessed scrap metal as an oxygen depleting cargo that could emit toxic gases. Continue reading “Lessons learned on enclosed space entry after trainee seafarer dies on board Federal Indiana”
An investigation launched by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator into an accommodation fire on board an AHTS vessel has been closed. The Administration published a report on the incident, which forced the ship’s crew to evacuate by helicopter.
What happened
On the morning of 12 September 2024, the fire alarm on board the Republic of the Marshall Islands-registered AHTS vessel AM Pride activated. The vessel was engaged in helicopter stand-by duty, approximately 1.5 NM away from the FA Platform south of Mossel Bay, Republic of South Africa. AM Pride was managed by V.Ships Offshore (Asia) PTE LTD and had recently undergone a change of 80% of its crew. Continue reading “RMI concludes investigation into accommodation fire on board AHTS vessel”
The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has released an investigation report into the death of a Chief Officer (C/O) aboard a tanker last year.
What happened
On the morning of 25 August 2025, the C/O on board the Republic of the Marshall Islands-registered oil/chemical tanker No.2 Ocean Pioneer was entering Nos. 1–3 port/starboard cargo tanks to inspect them after they had been washed and gas freed following the carriage of benzene as cargo.
Deck ratings then entered the cargo tanks to rinse them with de-ionized water after they had been inspected by the C/O. The C/O had reportedly tested the atmosphere inside these cargo tanks earlier that morning and had determined they were safe for entry. Neither the C/O nor the other crewmembers were wearing a personal gas detector while entering the cargo tanks. Continue reading “Chief officer dies after enclosed space entry on board tanker”
A final report from the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) revealed the safety failures that led to an incident on board the World Prize bulk carrier last year.
What happened
On 14 October 2025, the bosun on the Isle of Man registered bulk carrier World Prize died when he fell from the main deck while the crew were preparing the pilot ladder following the vessel’s departure from Rönnskär, Sweden. Continue reading “Crewmember died in man overboard incident on World Prize bulk carrier”
Four crewmembers were hospitalised after decomposing fish offal was accidentally pumped into a machinery space on board FV Antarctic Discovery, according to the Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand (TAIC).
The investigation report identified four systemic safety issues involving machinery isolation, confined-space hazards, coordination between multiple organisations, and oversight of safety-critical modifications. Continue reading “Toxic gas from rotting fish in confined space hospitalised four crewmembers aboard FV Antarctic Discovery”
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