Collision between rigid inflatable boat Rib Tickler and a personal watercraft with loss of 1 life

Location: Menai Strait, Wales.

Accident Investigation Report 3/2022

Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken, and recommendations:

MAIB investigation report 3-2022: Rib Tickler and a personal watercraft

The rigid inflatable boat Rib Tickler on a trailer
The personal watercraft on a trailer

Summary

On 8 August 2020, the rigid inflatable boat Rib Tickler and a personal watercraft collided at high speed in the Menai Strait, Wales. A passenger on board Rib Tickler was struck by the personal watercraft and fatally injured. The personal watercraft had been jumping across Rib Tickler’s wake when the rigid inflatable boat altered course across the personal watercraft’s path. The two craft were operating too closely to each other at high speed and neither Rib Tickler’s driver nor the personal watercraft rider understood the other’s intentions. Furthermore, the knowledge and skill levels of the persons in control or overseeing the two craft were not appropriate to the manoeuvres being undertaken.

Safety issues

  • Rib Tickler and the personal watercraft were operating in close proximity to each other, while carrying out uncoordinated high-speed manoeuvres.

  • The knowledge and skill levels of the persons in control or overseeing the two craft were not appropriate to the manoeuvres being undertaken. Neither of them had carried out an appropriate training course.

  • Although Isle of Anglesey County Council had a marine safety management system there was insufficient local governance of the marine environment, with a lack of resources, risk assessment for leisure users, or powers to manage their waterspace.

  • The inconsistent approach to personal watercraft management around the UK coast has a detrimental impact on the efforts being made to reduce irresponsible use.

Statement from the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents

Recommendations

Recommendations (2022/101, 2022/102 and 2022/103) have been made to the Isle of Anglesey County Council about its management of the Menai Strait waterspace, reviewing its legislation governing the Menai Strait and resource availability within its maritime team.

A recommendation (2022/104) has also been made to the Personal Watercraft Partnership and Royal Yachting Association to formalise the creation of a cross-industry group, focusing on a consistent nationwide approach to personal watercraft management.

External publications relating to this investigation include:

The Port Marine Safety Code, Department for Transport

Managing Personal Watercraft. A guide for local and harbour authorities. The Personal Watercraft Partnership, 2021 (PDF 7,406KB)

Updates to this page

Published 17 February 2022