Marine Accident Investigation Branch
class="gem-c-govspeak govuk-govspeak govuk-!-margin-bottom-0">
Accident Investigation Report 1/2025
Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened and subsequent actions taken:
Summary
On the morning of 23 February 2024, the chief engineer on the Isle of Man registered motor yacht Baton Rouge was electrocuted while working on the engine room ventilation system. The chief engineers heart could not be restarted and he was pronounced dead later that morning.
Safety issues
-
the chief engineer was working on live equipment without suitable arrangements in place to guard against electrical shock
-
the chief engineer was working in an enclosed space without enclosed space working procedures being in place
-
a permit to work was not issued for the task and the associated hazards were not identified
-
the yachts safety management system definition of an enclosed space was incorrect and focused solely on toxic atmospheres
-
there was a mismatch in the definitions of an enclosed space in the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers
Recommendations
In view of the actions taken by the yachts operating company no recommendations have been made.
Image copyright
Image courtesy of Nigel Burgess Limited.