Lifeboat incidents: Key observations & lessons learned


Since lifesaving appliances became mandatory onboard vessels, significant changes have been observed in the design of lifeboats and their launching systems. These changes have largely been driven by the need for larger lifeboat capacity, enhanced protection, easier operation, and improved overall safety.


Traditional open wooden boats have been replaced by fully enclosed lifeboats and free-fall boats, while modern rescue boat designs now support a wide range of maritime rescue operations. Despite these advancements, accidents during lifeboat operations – launching, running, or recovery – continue to occur, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Many of these incidents are linked to increased reliance on technology, despite improvements in design, equipment, and maintenance standards.


Research and industry studies highlight the critical importance of lifeboat and rescue boat systems. Key studies include:


- InterManager (1981–2023) – Lifeboat accidents resulted in approximately 419–420 deaths, 346 serious injuries, and 116 minor injuries.


- MAIB Study 01/2001 (1989–2000) – 115 incidents, with 12 fatalities and 87 injuries.


- Joint Survey by OCIMF, INTERTANKO, and SIGTTO (2000) – Analysis of 75 lifeboat/rescue boat accidents.


EMSA also publishes annual reports on incidents and accidents, including data specific to lifesaving appliances (LSA), though there is no dedicated section for lifeboats.


An important observation from these records is that over 98% of lifeboat-related incidents occur during drills, maintenance, inspections, or training, rather than actual emergencies. Furthermore, in three major European ship abandonment incidents, no casualties were reported related to lifeboats or associated equipment.


144 | ISSUE 115 | MAR 2026 | THE REPORT


Vessel Name


Area


Total Persons onboard


Officiall casualties


Casualties caused by lifeboat use


Express Samina, 2000


Paros, Greece


533 81 0 Sea


Diamond, 2007


Santorini, Greece


1,554 2 (missing) 0 Costa


Concordia, 2012


Giglio, Italy


4,252 32 0


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