Ejection of 2 people from rigid inflatable boat resulting in loss of 2 lives
Location: Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Accident Investigation Report 24/2005
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, actions taken and subsequent recommendations:
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Summary
At about 1345 on 13 March 2005 a father and daughter were thrown overboard from their rigid inflatable boat while travelling at high speed on Loch Lomond. Despite extensive surface and underwater searches, their bodies have not been found at the time of publication.
Safety Issues
- the steering system was in poor condition and in need of maintenance or replacement.
- the cause of the accident was the loss of a significant quantity of hydraulic oil from the steering system
- it was essential for the father and his younger daughter to be rescued quickly before the debilitating symptoms of cold water shock took effect. Had any or all of a number of safety items been in place (kill cord, lifejackets and means of alerting others to an emergency), their chances of survival would have been greatly enhanced.
Recommendations
The RYA has been recommended to extensively promulgate the lessons learnt from this tragic accident, both to its instructors and trainees. The Waterway Authorities have been recommended to ensure that procedures are put in place to establish and/or regularly review the general risks posed by the various leisure activities on their waters, and identify and then implement appropriate control measures, if required, that will reduce such risks to an acceptable level.
Related publications
A safety bulletin has also been issued as a result of our investigation.
This report was published in December 2005.