Safety lessons after paralysing injury on Sea Safari vessel

7 October 2025

A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) inquiry has found serious shortcomings in passenger safety following an incident in which a tourist was left permanently paralysed on board a North Devon sea safari vessel.

On 7 June 2023, the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) Lundy Explorer, operated by Ilfracombe Sea Safari, departed from Ilfracombe Harbour with passengers on board for a scheduled trip. Shortly after leaving port, the vessel encountered deteriorating sea conditions and struck a large oncoming wave.

A passenger seated in a forward jockey seat was thrown from their position and sustained a spinal injury, resulting in life-changing paralysis.

Investigation findings

MAIB concluded that the front jockey seats, designed for individual riders, were unsuited to the conditions of the voyage. Their position at the bow exposed occupants to significant impact forces when the vessel struck waves.

Investigators also noted that passengers had not been adequately briefed on the risks associated with those seats, nor had the operator established formal procedures to restrict their use in poor conditions.

The report found that the sea state deteriorated more quickly than anticipated, and the risks to passengers had not been fully assessed.

Over the last 15 years there have been numerous accidents investigated by MAIB involving RIBS. British Marine urges its members to read and adhere to all available guidance and recommendations including:

• Serious injury to a passenger on the sea safari rigid inflatable boat Lundy Explorer - GOV.UK
• MAIBInvReport 10/2023 - Seadogz - Very Serious Marine Casualty
• MGN 436 (M+F) Amendment 4 whole body vibration - GOV.UK
• HSPV Voluntary Code of Practice 2019.pdf
• MGN 280
• 12464 MCA COSWP BLACK AND WHITE v3_0W

For further information please contact the British Marine Technical team via [email protected]