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:
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
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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.
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there was a lack of coordination of the activities of the vessel and the dive team.
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Jean Elaine was not certified for operation at the time of the accident.
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the poor condition of Jean Elaine’s hull likely contributed to its failure following the grounding.
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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.