GovWire

Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the girting and capsize of the tug Biter off Greenock, Scotland on 24 February 2023. Biter was attached to the stern of the passenger vessel Hebridean Princess and the tugs two crew were unable to escape from the capsized vessel and lost their lives.

Andrew Moll OBE, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents:

Tug Biters accident was another cruel lesson of how rapidly things can go dreadfully wrong. In less than 10 seconds the tug capsized, and two experienced seafarers lost their lives, because of a breakdown of the systems that should have kept them safe.

Small conventional tugs remain an essential part of UK port operations. However, the vulnerabilities of these vessels must be understood by those that operate and control them.

Harbour authorities, ship and tug masters, and pilots should collectively own this risk. Pilots and tug crews must be suitably trained and experienced for their roles, and they must share a detailed understanding of the towage plan before they start the job. Speed, which has an exponential effect on towing forces, must be carefully controlled and the lines correctly set. Everyone involved must then monitor the execution of the plan and, if needed, act to keep everyone safe.