MAIB Report Highlights Safety Failures in British Sailing Training Ship

The British Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recently released a report concerning a tragic incident aboard the sailing training vessel Pelican of London. The incident occurred on October 2, 2023, when a volunteer temporary cook fell from the ship’s gangway and sadly passed away. The investigation identified serious safety issues and recommended improvements to policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

According to the MAIB report, the assistant cook fell from the ship’s gangway into a flooded dry dock late at night while under the influence of alcohol. His absence went unnoticed until the following morning, and his body was recovered by authorities later that day. The investigation highlighted numerous safety flaws, including a poorly equipped gangway that failed to provide secure access to the ship, ultimately leading to the tragic accident. Additionally, insufficient onboard training and risk assessments were identified as factors contributing to the fall.

Concerns about crew members’ alcohol consumption were also raised in the report, with the substitute cook found to have a blood alcohol level well above the legal limit for duty. The investigation detailed events leading up to the accident, revealing the temporary cook’s excessive drinking habits, which ultimately played a role in the fatal outcome. As a response to these findings, the MAIB issued recommendations to Seas Your Future, the charity operating the Pelican of London, to review and amend policies related to gangway design, risk assessment, and alcohol management to enhance safety measures onboard.

Source