| On 13 November 2024, the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published a report (17/2024) into the capsize and sinking of the tug Biter with the loss of two lives. |
| In Safety Bulletin 1/2026, MAIB note that Biter was the eighth investigation ‘involving the capsize of a conventional tug since 1998, a series of accidents that has resulted in the loss of nine lives.’ |
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| MAIB has produced a video to promulgate the key safety lessons including: |
- vessel masters, pilots and crews must communicate fully before connecting up
- they must conduct a comprehensive master/pilot and pilot/tug information exchange to share a detailed understanding of:
- the capability of the tug being employed and the plan for use
- their lines
- their safe working loads
- maximum speed that tug manoeuvres will be conducted; faster speed = greater force on towline = escalated risk
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- a correctly rigged gob rope could prevent the tug being towed sideways and reduce the risk of girting; the rope must be taut, able to withstand the extreme forces that could be exerted on it and ensure that the towing point remains close to the stern of the tug
- keeping the tug’s watertight doors and hatches shut during towing improves survival chances in the event of a girting incident
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For the full Safety Alert and Appendices: CLICK HERE
