The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is aware that 16 Red Sea liveaboard dive boats have been lost over the last 5 years. Seven of these losses happened in the last 21 months, and three of these resulted in numerous fatalities including UK nationals.
In line with the principles of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code, the UK has been registered as a substantially interested state in the Egyptian safety investigations into these accidents.
The following safety issues have been identified:
• The Red sea liveaboard dive boats involved were poorly constructed and often substantially modified/extended, which resulted in some vessels exhibiting inadequate stability.
• Essential lifesaving equipment was defective, out-of-date for service and, in some cases, missing.
• The rapid spread of fire is indicative of poor structural fire protection, and items of essential safety equipment, such as fire detection systems and fire extinguishers, were either missing or defective.
• Emergency escape routes were via lockable doors, had no emergency lighting and were unmarked.
• Safety briefings to passengers were of a poor standard or not conducted at all.
• Crews appeared poorly trained and were unfamiliar with their vessels.
Download the full PDF: MAIB Safety Bulletin 1-2025
