A holiday that should have been full of fun and adventure turned into a life-changing tragedy for a female tourist in North Devon.
While on a sea safari in June 2023, she was thrown from her seat on an inflatable boat and suffered a spinal injury that left her permanently paralyzed.
High Waves Turn Joyride into Disaster
The RIB, named Lundy Explorer, had just left Ilfracombe harbour when it encountered a series of unexpectedly high waves.
According to the Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB), the boat slammed into an oncoming wave, causing a passenger seated in a “jockey” seat at the front of the vessel to be violently dislodged The impact fractured her spinal column, resulting in permanent paralysis.
The MAIB noted that local weather conditions had deteriorated quickly, producing choppy seas the skipper had not anticipated.
Jockey Seats Under Scrutiny
The investigation highlighted that the front “jockey” seats were unsuitable for single passengers.
These positions exposed riders to extreme shock as the boat hit waves.
Safety briefings before departure had not covered the use of these seats, leaving passengers unaware of the risks.
The report also revealed that concerns about jockey seats have long existed in the high-speed RIB industry.
Operators and manufacturers often referred to these seats as “kamikaze” or “suicide” seats due to the discomfort and danger they posed.
A Harrowing Moment
The MAIB report detailed the sequence of events: the boat was struck by three waves, which caused the bow to land forcefully, bringing the vessel to an abrupt stop.
The passenger struck her face against the handhold and was wedged between the jockey seat pedestal and the RIB’s sponsor in a twisted position, her right leg draped over the seat.
The deckhand immediately attended to her, and she reported being unable to feel her legs.
Attempts to contact emergency services were delayed because the skipper first tried to reach the company owner by mobile phone, rather than contacting the coastguard directly.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Eventually, the woman was carried ashore by the boat owner and skipper while her sister called an ambulance.
She was airlifted to Plymouth hospital with the assistance of a lifeboat and air ambulance team.
Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll, emphasized the dangers of RIB rides, saying: “Even at slow speeds in harbour areas, significant injuries can occur when inappropriate seating arrangements are used.
Despite being in good health and wearing safety gear, she sustained a spinal injury leading to permanent paralysis.”
Industry Lessons and Safety Recommendations
The MAIB recommended that Ilfracombe Sea Safari Ltd implement a robust safety management system.
The board also noted that since 2001, 54 RIB accidents have caused lower back injuries, 17 resulting in spinal fractures.
A spokesman for Ilfracombe Sea Safari stated: “It was two and a half years ago, and we are now under new management since early 2024.
We have implemented all safety guidelines from the report and more.
We work to the highest standards and go above and beyond to ensure safety for all passengers and crew.”
What’s Next?
The tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder that thrill-seeking adventures carry real risks, and careful safety measures are essential.
For operators and passengers alike, the lessons from this incident underline the importance of proper seating, thorough briefings, and quick emergency response.
