Safety warning (video) issued following the capsize and sinking of the tug Biter while assisting the passenger vessel Hebridean Princess with the loss of two lives
This bulletin highlights the key safety lessons from the MAIB’s investigation.
Safety Bulletin 1/2026
Summary
This safety bulletin (video) has been published at the request of industry to promote the key safety issues identified during the MAIB’s investigation to those involved in ship assist towage operations.
Safety issues
For the vessel’s master, marine pilot and the tug crew to:
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have a detailed understanding of the plan for the employment of the tugs
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remember that a small increase in speed can result in a large increase in the force acting on the towlines, escalating the risk of something going wrong
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ensure that the tug’s gob rope is correctly rigged
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keep the tug’s doors and hatches closed during towing operations.
Recommendation
A recommendation has therefore been issued to the UK Chamber of Shipping, UK Harbour Masters’ Association, the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association, the British Tugowners Association, British Ports Association and The Workboat Association to promulgate the MAIB’s safety bulletin (video) on the key safety lessons from the Biter/Hebridean Princess investigation to their members.
Photograph credit
Image courtesy of Ian Catterson.