Fall down stairs on passenger cruise ship Edinburgh Castle with loss of 1 life

Location: Alongside Southampton Docks, England.

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

• Vessel type: Merchant vessel 100 gross tons or over
• Report type: Investigation report
• Date of occurrence: 3 May 1999

Accident Investigation Report: Edinburgh Castle

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

edinburgh castle loss of life.pdf (670.27 kb)

Summary

On 3 May 1999 a crew member fell down stairs leading on cruise liner Edinburgh Castle. The ship was berthed alongside in Southampton, England at the time. Loose fitting footwear and alcohol consumption in combination with clear plastic protective sheets over the stair were likely factors.

Safety issues

• the disco club stairs were fitted with protective plastic sheeting, which had become ragged near the top. This caused a further hazard to the deceased in his intoxicated condition

Recommendations

No recommendations have been made as a result of this investigation.

This report was published in July 1999.

Published 23 January 2015