Marine Casualty Reports from the MCIB
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced the establishment of the Marine Accident Investigation Unit, or MAIU. As Afloat reported previously, from 1 January 2026, the MAIU replaces the Marine Casualty Investigation Board as Ireland’s permanent marine accident investigation authority.…
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the Department of Transport confirmed in April that the Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) would replace the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) as the State’s independent body investigating marine casualties. The MAIU becomes the designated…
Failure To Wear PFDs and Need for Stability Awareness Training in Small Vessels Highlighted in MCIB Report
16th December 2025 MCIB
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has urged the Minister for Marine and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to provide stability awareness and safety training for small fishing vessels in the light of the death of a crewman after a razor clam…
Skellig Michael Visitors Had Narrow Escape When Ferry Sank After Landing - MCIB Report
30th November 2025 MCIB
A group of 14 visitors to Skellig Michael and their boat skipper had a narrow escape last year when their vessel developed issues and sank after they were left on the rock. A report by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board…
Series of Causal Factors Identified in Investigation Into Death of a Limerick Soccer Player on Jetski in 2023
25th October 2025 MCIB
Excess speed, not wearing a suitable personal flotation device and inability to swim have been identified as factors in the death of a person on a jetski or personal watercraft (PWC) near Ballina pontoon on the Shannon in May 2023.…
"Targeted Campaigns" To Highlight Dangers of Fishing Alone Recommended by MCIB in Report
9th October 2025 MCIB
A report into the loss of an inshore fisherman has recommended “targeted campaigns” by the Minister for Transport to highlight the dangers of fishing alone. The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) made the recommendation in a report on the death…
Build-Up of LPG Gas Most Likely Cause of Fatal Motor Cruiser Fire on Shannon - MCIB
7th October 2025 MCIB
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has called on the Minister for Transport to consider a review and update of regulations on the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations and systems on merchant vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and…
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has asked the Minister for Transport to review how effective current rules are on the mandatory wearing of life jackets. Regulations in relation to the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) are being routinely…
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has been replaced under new legislation enacted today (April 15th). The Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Act 2025 will establish a Marine Accident Investigation Unit within the Department of Transport, replacing the Marine…
Loose footwear may have contributed to the death of a crewman on board a fishing vessel off the west coast in December 2023, according to the official investigation. The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) report into the incident says that…
"Tension Between Competitive Sport and Safety" Reflected In Investigations - MCIB Chair Claire Callanan
9th January 2025 Wavelength Podcast
Failure to follow basic safety such as wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device is still an issue in incidents in Irish waters, according to the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB). It has also noted in its most recent annual…
Tragedy "Only Avoided By Very Narrowest of Margins" in Sea Collision, MCIB Report says
22nd December 2024 MCIB
Tragedy was “only avoided by the very narrowest of margins” in a collision between an Irish fishing vessel and an oil tanker in the south Irish Sea in August 2023, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) says. Its report says…
The findings of an investigation into the sinking of a fishing vessel off the west Cork coast in 2021 have been disputed by the company which owns the vessel. The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) report into the incident involving…
Failure to "Follow Basic Safety" An Issue in Incidents at Sea, MCIB Chair Says
19th September 2024 MCIB
Failure to follow “basic safety recommendations” such as wearing a life jacket is still an issue in incidents at sea, the chair of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has said. In the MCIB’s 2023 annual report, its chair Claire…
MCIB Raises Need for "Regulated Training"To Improve Safety Among Recreational Craft Users
29th August 2024 MCIB
Water Safety Ireland should consider researching whether some form of “regulated training” would improve basic safety education among recreational craft users, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has said. Regulated training would be a matter for the Minister for Transport,…
Failure To Ensure Qualified Crew On Board Contributed to Fatal Fishing Incident, MCIB Report Says
24th August 2024 MCIB
Failure to ensure that there were sufficient crew with qualifications on board contributed to an incident where a man lost his life when he went overboard a crab vessel off the Donegal coast early last year, according to the official…
