Accident while boarding dive support boat Sovereign II with 1 person injured

Location: Off Lee Shore, Farne Islands, England.

• From: Marine Accident Investigation Branch
• Published: 23 January 2015

• Vessel type: Merchant vessel under 100 gross tons, Recreational craft - power
• Report type: Completed preliminary assessment
• Date of occurrence: 13 August 2005

Completed PE Summary: Sovereign II

A short summary of the accident and action taken:

	Merchant Vessel/Accident Details
Vessel Name	Sovereign II
Registered Owner and Manager:	Sovereign
Flag	UK
Type	Dive support boat
Gross Tonnage	0.01
Date/Time	13/08/05, 1128 (UTC)
Location of Incident	UK coastal Waters
Incident Type	Accident to person
Injuries/Fatalities	Serious injury
Damage/Pollution	None

Synopsis

While attempting to climb aboard his dive support boat from the water, a recreational diver came into contact with one of the boat’s propellers. He suffered serious injuries to his legs.

Action taken

The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has written to the British Diving Safety Group recommending that they:

• review the instructions in the Harmonised Code that deal with sports diving,

• provide other suitable advice to their members that will enhance the safety of sports diving.

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Published 23 January 2015