A new report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has revealed how a recreational diver lost his life in Scapa Flow, Orkney, after being struck by the propeller of a dive-support vessel in September 2023. The findings point to a chain of preventable errors, including poor lookout practices, weak communication between vessels, and unsafe handling of surface marker equipment.
Tragedy in Scapa Flow
The fatal incident occurred on 28 September 2023 while two dive vessels, Karin and Jean Elaine, were supporting recreational divers exploring the wreck of the German battleship SMS Markgraf. According to the MAIB report, the diver was performing a decompression stop near the surface when he was fatally struck by Karin’s rotating propeller.
The diver had been diving from Jean Elaine, but due to inadequate coordination between the two vessels and the absence of a proper lookout on Karin, the crew failed to detect the surfacing diver in time to take evasive action.
Failures Identified by the MAIB
Investigators identified multiple failings that collectively led to the accident:
- Lack of effective lookout: Karin did not have a dedicated lookout on watch. The MAIB stressed that an effective lookout “by all available means at all times” is essential and that assigning this role is critical to ensure the skipper receives timely warnings of potential hazards.
- Poor communication between dive vessels: With both boats operating in the same area, communication was infrequent and lacked structure. The report emphasised that detailed coordination between dive operators is vital to prevent accidents when supporting multiple dive groups in shared waters.
- Unsafe DSMB practices: The diver had attached his Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) reel to his equipment. The MAIB reiterated advice from the British Diving Safety Group that DSMB reels should be held, not clipped or tied to the diver, allowing immediate release in case of snagging or entanglement.
In his closing remarks, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents stated that the tragedy could have been avoided if fundamental safety principles had been followed:
“The basic principles of good watchkeeping: vigilance, clear communication and adherence to operational procedures for the activities undertaken are well tried and tested. Had they been followed during this event, particularly with two vessels operating in close proximity to submerged divers, this tragic accident could have been avoided..”
Safety Actions and Recommendations
The MAIB has issued a series of recommendations aimed at improving safety for dive operators in the UK:
- The Orkney Islands Council Harbour has been asked to review local diving operations, enforce existing permit requirements, monitor dive-support activity, and develop a local dive operations code referencing Marine Guidance Note 424 (M).
- A new Safety Bulletin (2/2024) has been released, reminding dive-boat operators of the need for vigilant lookouts and reinforcing the guidance on DSMB handling.
- The Chief Inspector has also written directly to Karin’s new owner to highlight the operational and procedural deficiencies identified in the investigation.
Lessons for the Diving Community
The incident serves as a sobering reminder for all UK dive operators and recreational divers. Maintaining a dedicated lookout, communicating clearly between vessels, and following best practices for DSMB deployment are not optional – they are lifesaving fundamentals.
The MAIB report underlines that even small lapses in vigilance can have devastating consequences. As the diving season continues, UK operators are urged to re-examine their safety protocols to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
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