Safety warning after ejection from rigid inflatable boat results in 2 people seriously injured and loss of 2 lives

This documents urges drivers of power boats to check and use kill-cords following ejection of a family of 6 from a RIB.

From:
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Published
23 January 2015
Vessel type:
Recreational craft - power
Report type:
Safety bulletin
Date of occurrence:
5 May 2013

Safety Bulletin 1/2013

SB1-13.pdf (675.37 kb)

Summary

Following accident on the Camel Estuary, off Padstow, England where six people were ejected from a RHIB leading to two fatalities and serious injuries to two people, MAIB issued this safety bulletin.

The purpose of the bulletin is to ensure that all owners and operators of vessels fitted with kill cords:

  • test them regularly to ensure that the engine stops when the kill cord mechanism is operated
  • make sure that the cord is in good condition
  • always attach the cord securely to the driver, ideally before the engine is started, but certainly before the boat is put in gear
  • stop the engine before transferring the kill cord to another driver

Published: May 2013

More information regarding the use of kill cords can be found at the Royal Yachting Association website.

Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2015
Contents