Overview

• The watchdog’s report, released August 21, confirms a passenger was dislodged from a forward jockey seat as the Lundy Explorer left Ilfracombe Harbour, sustaining spinal fractures and permanent paralysis.
• Investigators found the bow‑positioned jockey seats were unsuitable for single occupancy and that passengers were not adequately briefed on posture, handholds or seat limitations as seas worsened unexpectedly.
• The RIB encountered three waves that caused a sudden stop, and the skipper did not radio the coastguard, a lapse that could have delayed specialist medical advice and the emergency response.
• MAIB recommends the Maritime and Coastguard Agency add seat‑placement risk assessments to the forthcoming small‑vessel Code of Practice and urges operators to review seating, formalise procedures and give thorough pre‑departure briefings.
• Ilfracombe Sea Safari says new management since early 2024 has implemented the guidance, while investigators reported two further 2025 spinal‑injury accidents on the company’s excursions.