Grounding and subsequent loss of the dive support vessel Jean Elaine

Location: Saint Peter's Pool, Orkney Islands, Scotland.

Accident Investigation Report 15/2025

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

MAIB investigation report 15-2025: Jean Elaine

Jean Elaine

Summary

On 22 July 2024, the dive support vessel Jean Elaine grounded on a falling tide in Saint Peter’s Pool in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The vessel developed a severe port list and suffered water ingress. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it was ultimately abandoned. There were no injuries or fatalities.

Safety issues

  • there was no passage plan to support the safe navigation of the vessel. The risk to Jean Elaine from its passage into Saint Peter’s Pool was not identified.

  • there was a lack of coordination of the activities of the vessel and the dive team.

  • Jean Elaine was not certified for operation at the time of the accident.

  • the poor condition of Jean Elaine’s hull likely contributed to its failure following the grounding.

  • Heriot-Watt University did not ensure that Jean Elaine was appropriately certified before the expedition.

Recommendations

No safety recommendations have been made.

Photograph credit

Image courtesy of Aitor Campos Jordan.

Updates to this page

Published 2 October 2025