Allision of the rigid inflatable boat Peaky Blinder with a navigation beacon with the loss of 2 lives

Read our marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations.

In the evening of 14 August 2025, the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) Peaky Blinder allided with navigation beacon 81 in Portsmouth Harbour. The owner, who was driving the boat, and the two passengers on board were ejected into the water. One passenger was recovered unconscious from the water and later declared deceased, the owner’s body was recovered five days later. The remaining passenger survived with minor injuries.

The vessel was being operated at an unsafe speed immediately before the allision, putting the RIB’s occupants and other water users at risk.

The owner of the vessel was under the influence of alcohol, this substantially increased the likelihood of an accident.

No one on board the vessel was wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), which meant they were unavailable to reduce consequences of entering the water.

The system of regulation, enforcement and education in the recreational community was ineffective in influencing on-the-water behaviours with respect to alcohol consumption.

The King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth has been recommended to:

The Secretary of State for Transport has been recommended to:

Make an order to commence the provisions on alcohol limits for non-professional mariners contained in the Railways and Transport Safety Act, 2003.

Develop and enact proportionate secondary legislation to define the scope of application of subsection 80(3) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 using the powers contained in subsection 80(4) of the Act.

Develop a national strategy for the delivery of an effective educational and awareness campaign.