Legal powers to prevent people drinking and boating need to be stronger according to a report into a fatal accident.
The crash occurred in August 2025 when the RIB Peaky Blinder allided with a navigation beacon in the UK’s Portsmouth Harbour resulting in two people being thrown into the water and subsequently drowning.
The RIB had been returning from a social excursion to various locations in and around the Solent and Isle of Wight with alcohol consumption featuring centrally throughout the day. Three people were onboard at the time.
The RIB owner and one of his friends were injured in the accident and were possibly unconscious before they entered the water.
The friend was recovered in the immediate aftermath of the accident, but could not be resuscitated.
The owner sank from view, with his body not found until five days later. The remaining passenger suffered minor injuries.
Personal flotation device
No-one was wearing a personal flotation device (PDF), which the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report states would have increased the chances of survival.
The report into the accident found that the consumption of alcohol and the speed of Peaky Blinder were found to significantly contribute to the accident and recommends the Secretary of State for Transport to make an order to begin provisions on alcohol limits for recreational boaters.
“It is well understood that consumption of alcohol results in an elevated risk of having an accident,” said chief inspector of marine accidents, Rob Loder.
“The introduction of alcohol limits for recreational boaters has been the subject of previous MAIB recommendations.
“It is to be hoped that action will now be taken, such that fatal accidents in which excessive alcohol consumption is a contributing factor become a thing of the past.”
The report also recommends that action is taken to improve adherence to speed limits in addition to the development of an eductional and awareness campaign.
A recommendation for anyone in a boat to wear a PDF where there is a possibility they may enter the water has also been made.
